Secrets of the Blizzard: How Nature Creates Snowstorms
A snowstorm is one of those natural phenomena that are both fascinating and respectful. The wind lifts the snow into the air, twists it into eddies. And it seems that the world disappears in a whiteout. There are two similar words – “blizzard” and “snowstorm”. The difference between them is subtle: a snowstorm often describes the process of a snow whirlwind. And a snowstorm is a general state of the weather, when snow rushes through the air and everything howls.
How does a snowstorm occur?
A snowstorm requires three things: snow, wind, and temperature changes. If there is loose, unpacked snow on the ground and the wind is strong enough (6–7 m/s and higher). It lifts snowflakes into the air and carries them in chaotic streams.
There are two types of snowstorms:
- A drifting snowstorm. Is when the wind drives snow along the ground without lifting it too high. If you look into the distance. It looks like a white haze is spreading across the surface.
- Ground blizzard here the snow is already actively raised into the air. But there is no precipitation, the blizzard simply redistributes the already lying snow.
There is also a general snowstorm , or simply a “blizzard”. When snow falls from the sky and rises from the ground at the same time. This happens during strong cyclones.
Interesting facts about snowstorms
- The most severe snowstorms are in Antarctica. Here the wind speed can reach 90 m/s (that’s more than 300 km/h!), and the snow literally hits your face like sandpaper.
- There is a “whiteout” effect. This is when the snow swirls so much that the horizon is not visible and the sense of space is lost. Polar explorers can simply lose direction in such conditions, even if they have moved away from the base by only a couple of meters.
- A snowstorm can sound like a howl. The wind accelerates between buildings, trees and snow barriers, creating an eerie howling sound. It is not surprising that in the old days people associated snowstorms with spirits and evil spirits.
- In a snowstorm, you can get frostbite faster than in normal frost. It’s all about the wind: it increases the cooling of the body, and the temperature seems lower than it actually is (the “wind chill” effect).
- Some snowstorms can last for weeks. In the US and Canada, there are blizzards that leave cities under meters of snow.
How did people learn to fight blizzards?
A snowstorm is not only a beautiful sight. But also a serious test, especially for transport, energy and even the human psyche. People have long come up with ways to cope with the vagaries of the snow elements.
For example, in snowy regions, snow-retaining shields are installed – special wooden or metal structures that block the wind and prevent snow from accumulating on the roads. In cities, underground crossings and closed stops are a lifesaver. Where you can take shelter from gusts of icy wind.
And in aviation, flights can be cancelled because of snowstorms: strong winds and poor visibility make takeoff and landing too risky. By the way, there is a special term “snow storm”. This is when thunder rumbles and lightning flashes during a snowstorm. It looks scary and reminds one of scenes from disaster movies.
Snowstorm in culture and history
It is not surprising that the snowstorm is often found in literature, music and folk tales. It is a symbol of chaos, danger or loneliness. Just remember Gogol’s “The Snowstorm” , where a snowstorm literally changes the fates of the heroes. Or “Eugene Onegin”, where a snowstorm prevents Tatyana and Onegin from meeting.
In real history, snowstorms have also had an impact on events more than once. For example, in 1812, when Napoleon’s army retreated from Russia, severe frosts and snowstorms became one of the factors in their defeat. People simply could not stand the cold, horses sank in snowdrifts, and supply trains got stuck in the snow.
What about the animals?
Interestingly, some animals can cope with snowstorms better than humans. For example, arctic foxes and wolves can predict the approach of a snowstorm – they dig holes and hide in advance. And reindeer develop a special technique for moving in the snow. They swing their bodies and make their way with powerful blows of their hooves.
But domestic animals do not always understand what is happening. Cows, for example, can lose their way in a strong snowstorm and go too far from the farm, because the snow hides all the usual landmarks.
The snowiest places in the world
Some regions live in conditions of constant snowstorms. For example:
- Aomori Prefecture in Japan – where winter snowfall is over 8 meters! Houses are built with sloping roofs to prevent snow from accumulating. And streets are heated to prevent snowdrifts from blocking roads.
- Newfoundland, Canada – The Atlantic’s strongest winds blow here, and snow can fall for weeks.
- Greenland – snowstorms are so frequent there that local residents have learned to navigate in the white shroud almost intuitively.
A snowstorm is more than just weather. It is a test, a challenge, a beauty, and even an inspiration. It changes landscapes, affects the behavior of people and animals, and sometimes even writes itself into history. So the next time you hear the wind howling outside your window, remember: somewhere right now, a real snow storm is raging.
Read also: