Question

The thick masses of snow that can create big avalanches accumulate because...

a. of wind patterns
b. of melting and freezing cycles
c. of compaction and layering
d. of volcanic activity

Answer 1

Snow remains on mountain slopes even when temperatures are higher than freezing because it takes time for the heat to accumulate and melt the snow.

Step-by-step explanation:

Snow remains on mountain slopes even when daytime temperatures are higher than the freezing temperature because snow is formed from ice crystals, which are the solid phase of water. The heat necessary for phase change accumulates slowly from the air, so even if the air temperature is above 0°C, it takes time for the snow to melt. The warmer the air, the faster the heat exchange occurs and the faster the snow melts.