I've always been puzzled over just how snow melts. I know and have observed the conventional way we think of it, where the snow turns to a liquid, water, and runs down the gutter and into the nearest stream. But since we've lived here, looking out at a wide expanse of snow behind us, and big snowbanks out in front of us, I've become aware of a different way snow melts - by sublimation.
Sublimation is the process by which a solid (like snow or ice) turns to water vapour in the atmosphere. So looking out the window I see the big snowbanks, still 2 feet of snow mostly, 3 feet in places, and it's 10°C out, and there isn't even a trickle of water running down the driveway. It's all just disappearing into the atmosphere.
There isn't much sublimation on my patch. I think reflecting heat on hard surfaces has to be a factor. Sidewalks in town are pretty dry but the grassy verges are soggy.
ReplyDeleteWow you have lots more snow left than we do. Ours must have sublimated very fast. Any open area is pretty well clear.
ReplyDeleteThose are huge masses of snow piled up, does this happen when the air temperature gets warmer?And now I have learnt that Sublimation can be in Physics, in Printing and in Psychology. I'll take the solid to gas any day.Hope no more snow falls, that's a LOT of gas.!!!
ReplyDeleteThe flag is hanging in there! It won’t be long and you’ll be able to be out and about again, FG.
ReplyDeleteHowever it melts it's nice when it finally does at this time of year!! :)
ReplyDelete... and isn't it nice when the snow has gone!
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you for that explanation. I have always wondered, and though perhaps it was just the snow compacting, becoming denser or something.
ReplyDeleteI think your snow is still beautiful. I know most people are tired of it, but I am not one of them. Maybe I should live in a more northern clime!
Those are some snowbanks!! Interesting about sublimation.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it seeps into the grassy areas? Or you could be bang on! 😁
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