Unveiling the Science Behind Snow’s Unique Acoustics
Imagine waking up on a winter solstice morning to a serene scene of freshly fallen snow. This pristine blanket of snow not only transforms the landscape but also alters the soundscape, creating a unique auditory experience.
Initially, the new snow is packed with air pockets that absorb sound, creating a quiet, muffled environment. However, this silence is fleeting. As the snow settles, these air pockets diminish, and the snow’s surface becomes smoother and more reflective, allowing sound to travel further and more clearly.
The acoustics of snow are dynamic and change with its condition. In fresh, dry snow, like that found in the Southwest, the sound of footsteps is a gentle “whoof.” This is due to the loosely packed flakes that move against each other. As temperatures drop, a process known as “sintering” occurs, where snowflakes compact and form tiny bonds as they slightly melt and refreeze.
This sintering process is crucial in preventing further collapse of the snow. The result is a structure reminiscent of a Rice Krispie treat, where snowflakes are bonded together by frozen water. As you walk on this compacted snow, the pressure from your steps breaks these bonds, creating a distinctive squeaking noise.
Conversely, in wetter snow, the presence of water acts as a lubricant between the flakes. When pressure is applied, there are fewer icy bonds to break, resulting in a damp, crumpling sound instead of the soft whoosh associated with powdery snow.
This insight into the science of snow originally aired on December 20, 2017, and was crafted by Diane Hope. It was produced by KNAU in collaboration with the Sustainable Communities Program at Northern Arizona University.
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