Snow crust: Difference between revisions
From Glossary of Meteorology
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{{Term | |||
|Display title=snow crust | |||
|Definitions={{Definition | |||
{{ | |Num=1 | ||
|Meaning=A crisp, firm, outer surface upon [[snow]]. | |||
|Explanation=Basically, three types of snow crusts exist, formed by 1) the refreezing of surface snow, after melting and/or wetting, to form a hard layer of snow ([[sun crust]], [[rain crust]], [[spring crust]]); 2) the packing of snow into a hard layer by [[wind]] action ([[wind crust]], [[wind slab]]); and 3) the [[freezing]] of [[surface water]], however derived, to form a continuous layer of [[ice]] on top of snow ([[film crust]], [[ice crust]]). A snow crust is designated as "breakable" or "unbreakable" according to its ability to support a person on skis. | |||
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Latest revision as of 06:01, 30 March 2024
A crisp, firm, outer surface upon snow.
Basically, three types of snow crusts exist, formed by 1) the refreezing of surface snow, after melting and/or wetting, to form a hard layer of snow (sun crust, rain crust, spring crust); 2) the packing of snow into a hard layer by wind action (wind crust, wind slab); and 3) the freezing of surface water, however derived, to form a continuous layer of ice on top of snow (film crust, ice crust). A snow crust is designated as "breakable" or "unbreakable" according to its ability to support a person on skis.