Why is snow white

From FIS Freestyle wiki

Visible sunlight is white. Most natural materials absorb some sunlight which gives them their color. Snow, however, reflects most of the sunlight. The complex structure of snow crystals results in countless tiny surfaces from which visible light is efficiently reflected. What little sunlight is absorbed by snow is absorbed uniformly over the wavelengths of visible light thus giving snow its white appearance.

[edit] Other Snow FAQ

• How big can snowflakes get?
• Why is snow white?
• Is it ever too cold to snow?
• When is it too warm to snow?
• How does snow form if the ground temperature is above freezing?
• Why do weather forecasters seem to have so much trouble forecasting snow?
• Why does snow crunch when you step on it and at what temperature does it crunch?
• Does snow change how sound waves travel?

or see Snow and Weather Glossary

[edit] Also See

[edit] Reference;

1. National Snow and Ice Data Center [1]

---

Return to Working with Snow