Snow

Snow is a form of precipitation made of ice crystals that form inside cold clouds. When the temperature in a cloud is below freezing, water vapor changes directly into ice around tiny particles suspended in the air, a process called deposition. As the crystals grow, they develop branching patterns that depend on temperature and humidity.

Several crystals often stick together to form snowflakes, which fall to the ground when they become heavy enough. If the air remains cold all the way to the surface, the snow reaches the ground without melting. Otherwise, it may partially or completely melt and fall as sleet or rain. Although many snowflakes have six sides because of the structure of ice, each one develops differently, making their detailed shapes almost always unique.

Snow plays an important role in Earth's climate and water cycle. A layer of snow reflects a large part of the Sun's energy back into space, helping keep the ground cooler. It also acts as an insulating blanket, protecting plants and animals from extremely low temperatures. In mountainous regions, snow gradually melts in spring and summer, supplying rivers and reservoirs with freshwater.

However, heavy snowfall can disrupt transportation, damage buildings and increase the risk of avalanches on steep slopes. Meteorologists study snowfall to improve weather forecasts and to help communities prepare for winter conditions. Monitoring snow cover is also important for managing water resources and understanding changes in climate over time.