Snow

Snow forms when water vapor in the upper atmosphere freezes at or below 0°C. This process, known as deposition, occurs when water vapor bypasses the liquid phase and transforms directly into ice crystals. 

These crystals form around microscopic particles such as dust or pollen, which act as condensation nuclei. As the crystals fall, they grow by collecting supercooled water droplets (liquid water below freezing) or by combining with other crystals, forming snowflakes. 

The size and complexity of each snowflake depend on the temperature and humidity of the air it passes through—warmer, more humid air produces larger, more intricate flakes, while colder, drier air creates smaller, simpler ones.

Types of snow include:

• Powder Snow: Light, dry, and fluffy snow with low water content. Common in very cold conditions and ideal for skiing or snowboarding.
• Wet Snow (Heavy Snow): Denser snow with higher water content, typically forming near the freezing point. It sticks together easily, making it good for snowballs but difficult to shovel.
• Graupel (Snow Pellets): Soft, white pellets formed when supercooled water droplets freeze onto snowflakes. Graupel is often confused with hail or sleet but is softer and more fragile.
• Sleet (Ice Pellets): Small, clear or translucent ice pellets that form when snowflakes melt partially in a warm air layer and then refreeze before hitting the ground. Sleet is technically not snow but is often associated with snowy conditions.
• Snow Grains: Very small, flat, or elongated white particles that fall slowly from stratus clouds. Similar to drizzle in behavior and do not bounce or shatter.
• Diamond Dust: Tiny ice crystals that fall from a clear sky, usually in extremely cold weather. It sparkles in sunlight and is most common in polar or arctic regions.