snow characterization

Snow characterization involves analyzing the physical and chemical properties of snow to understand its structure, composition, and behavior. This includes examining snow type (such as powdery or wet), density, moisture content, and crystal structure. These factors influence how snow compacts, drains, and interacts with its environment, which is important for applications like avalanche prediction, weather forecasting, and water resource management. Accurate snow characterization helps scientists assess snowpack stability and water availability, informing safety measures and environmental planning.