Question

Snow occurs when

a) the temperature has multiple freezing layers above and below your altitude
b) the temperature remains below freezing throughout the entire depth of the atmosphere.
c) the air is above freezing above your altitude
d) there is freezing rain above

Answer 1

Snow remains on mountain slopes even at temperatures above freezing due to the time and energy required for the phase change from solid to liquid and the latent heat of fusion. Mountainous terrain also experiences cooler night temperatures that can refreeze melted snow.

Step-by-step explanation:

Snow and Temperature:

Snow persists on mountain slopes even when daytime temperatures are higher than the freezing point for several reasons. Firstly, snow is comprised of ice crystals, representing the solid form of water. It requires a significant quantity of heat for a phase change to occur from solid to liquid, meaning the snow melting process takes time because this energy must be absorbed from the surrounding environment. Moreover, despite temperatures being above 0°C, the actual melting rate will depend on how much higher the temperature is above freezing and the duration it remains at that level throughout the day.

Another factor is the phenomenon of latent heat - the energy absorbed or released during a phase change without changing temperature. Due to the latent heat of fusion, snow does not instantly melt when the air temperature rises above 0°C. Furthermore, mountain slopes often experience fluctuating conditions, where cooler temperatures at night refreeze any melting that occurs during the day, contributing to the persistence of snow.