Snow Physics

Snow physics studies how snow forms, transforms, and behaves. Snow begins as water vapor in the air, which freezes into ice crystals. These crystals cluster into snowflakes, shaped by temperature and humidity. When snow falls and settles, it can compact and bond, creating a solid layer. The physical properties of snow—like density, strength, and insulation—depend on factors like temperature, moisture, and age. Understanding snow physics helps predict avalanche risks, manage water resources, and design structures for cold environments by analyzing how snow evolves under different conditions.