Melt Metamorphism
Melt metamorphism is the deterioration of snow by melting. Melting can be stimulated by warmer ambient temperatures, rain and fog. As snow melts water is formed and the force of gravity pulls these molecules downward. In route to the ground they refreeze thickening in the middle stratum. During this refreezing process energy is released in the form of latent heat. As more water comes down from the surface it creates more heat and brings the entire snow pack column to near equal temperature. The firnification of the snow strengthens the snow pack, due to the bonding of grains of snow. Snow around trees and under canopies melts faster due to the reradiation of long wave radiation. As snow gets older particles of impurities (pine needles, dirt, and leaves, for example) accrue within the snow. These darkened objects absorb more short wave radiation causing them to rise in temperature, also reflecting more long wave radiation.
Read more about this topic: Subnivean Climate
Famous quotes containing the word melt:
“Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch
Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay; our dungy earth alike
Feeds beast as man. The nobleness of life
Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
And such a twain can do ‘t, in which I bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)