Author Question: Why are large snowflakes usually observed when the air temperature near the ground is just below ... (Read 72 times)

HudsonKB16

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Why are large snowflakes usually observed when the air temperature near the ground is just below freezing?
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

How does the ice-crystal (Bergeron) process produce precipitation? What is the main premise describing this process?
  What will be an ideal response?



mk6555

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Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: Snowflakes that fall through moist air that is slightly above freezing slowly melt as they descend. A thin film of water forms on the edge of the flakes, which acts like glue when other snowflakes come in contact with it. In this way, several flakes join to produce giant snowflakes often measuring several inches or more in diameter. These large, soggy snowflakes are associated with moist air and temperatures near freezing. However, when snowflakes fall through extremely cold air with a low moisture content, small, powdery flakes of dry snow accumulate on the ground.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: The main premise is that the saturation vapor pressure just above a water surface is greater than the saturation vapor pressure above an ice surface. This difference in vapor pressure causes water vapor molecules to move (diffuse) from the droplet toward the ice crystal. The removal of vapor molecules reduces the vapor pressure above the droplet. Since the droplet is now out of equilibrium with its surroundings, it evaporates to replenish the diminished supply of water vapor above it. This process provides a continuous source of moisture for the ice crystal, which absorbs the water vapor and grows rapidly. Hence, during the ice-crystal (Bergeron) process, ice crystals grow larger at the expense of the surrounding water droplets.



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