Overview

It's often said that no two snowflakes are alike, but it is possible to categorize snowflakes based on their general appearance. The shape or habit of a snowflake tells a story about the atmospheric environment in which it formed and its evolution as it fell to the ground. Snowflake habit also affects snow water content, the quality of the powder, and the avalanche hazard.

In this learning activity, we examine some of the different snow crystal types that are found in storms. After completing this activity, you should be able to identify some of these types during actual storms.

Instructions

Utilize the information located in the Scenario and Key Concepts to answer the questions located in this activity. You may refer to your textbook and notes to help you work through the assigned questions if desired. You will have two attempts to complete this activity. The highest grade will automatically be recorded. Once you have submitted your activity for a second time, you will be able to see the correct answers. Discuss with your instructor if you have questions about your answers or feedback.

Activity is due Sunday, by 11:59 p.m. MT

Submission and Assessment Guidelines

You will complete the quiz associated with this scenario within Canvas. For help on how to take a quiz in Canvas, review How do I take a quiz.
This learning activity is worth 11 points toward your final grade.

Scenario

You are in a raging snowstorm riding a chairlift or at home for the holidays. Your family and friends know you have taken a great ski-weather class, ATMOS 1000: Secrets of the Greatest Snow on Earth, and would like you to identify some of the snowflakes that are falling. Are you up to the challenge?

Key Concepts

Snowflakes are crystals of ice, sometimes alternatively called snow crystals or ice crystals. Their shape and growth are strongly dependent on the temperature and humidity when they grow and what they experience as they fall to the ground. Each snowflake experiences a unique life cycle, leading to the phrase "no two snowflakes are alike." However, there can be similarities, and snowflakes can often be classified based on their general shape.

The diagrams used to identify snowflakes are known as habit diagrams. There are many different habit diagrams, some simpler (meaning there is only a small number of crystal habits), some more complex (meaning there's a large number of crystal habits).

Perhaps the simplest diagram was created by Ken Libbrecht of Cal Tech for his Guide to Snowflakes at his great website snowcrystals.com.

Types of snowflakes from snowcrystals.com

It's impossible to remember all of these (at least for me), so I tend to try and remember a few and refer to the chart as needed during storms (keep it on your phone).

Citations

Images:

A Guide to Snowflakes
- Citations: Libbrecht, K. (n.d.). A guide to snowflakes. Caltech.
SnowCrystals.com
- Citations: Libbrecht, K. (n.d.). SnowCrystals.com.

Quiz
- Question 7
  - Citation: Garrett, T. (n.d.). Snow crystals. University of Utah.
- Question 8
  - Citation: Garrett, T. (n.d.). Snow crystals. University of Utah.
- Question 9
  - Citation: Garrett, T. (n.d.). Snow crystals. University of Utah.
- Question 10
  - Citation: Garrett, T. (n.d.). Snow crystals. University of Utah.