Final answer:
The water equivalent of snowfall for wet snow is the amount of liquid water resulting from melting snow. Wet snow has a higher water equivalent because it is closer to the melting point, allowing for quicker melting when exposed to heat. The phase change from solid to liquid requires significant heat, and warmer air temperatures speed up this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The water equivalent of snowfall for wet snow refers to the amount of water that will result from melted snow. Wet snow has a higher water content compared to dry snow because it is closer to the melting point, which allows particles to stick together when pressure is applied and retain their shape once that pressure is released. This property is also the reason why wet snow is ideal for making snowballs.
The water equivalent is influenced by the temperature of the air surrounding the snow. Since snow is the solid phase of water, a phase change from solid to liquid requires significant heat. Even if the air temperature is above 0°C (32°F), the heat must be transferred from the air to the snow, which can take some time. This process occurs more quickly in warmer air temperatures, leading to a faster melt rate for the snow. This is why wet snow, being closer to the melting point and often exposed to warmer temperatures, has a higher water equivalent when compared to dry, powdery snow.