How many people know what a snowstorm is? It would seem that this is another synonym for the word blizzard, but it is worth considering and becoming clear - the difference between them is huge. Especially if you consider these atmospheric phenomena through the eyes of a meteorologist. So let's put aside prejudice and find out what a snowstorm really is.
Is snowstorm and a blizzard the same thing?
So, a blizzard is an atmospheric phenomenon during which the wind raises an abundant amount of snow. Because of this, it seems that everything around was covered in a white blanket of small and large snowflakes. If so, what does blizzard mean?
In general, this is the same. But unlike a blizzard, a blizzard raises into the air only snow lying on the ground. That is, this atmospheric phenomenon cannot occur during snowfalls or after the snow is covered with an ice crust.
This is the fundamental difference between these two meteorological concepts. That is true, from a scientific point of view, the blizzard is considered to be one of the types of blowing snow.
What is snowstorm really?
Most often, snowstorm occurs in flat areas, such as a field or steppe. This happens under the influence of a low-lying wind, whose speed exceeds 7 m / s. Such a force allows him to easily lift the upper layers of snow into the air, provided that they are not hardened by numerous temperature changes.
The main feature of the blizzard is that it is able to lift the white veil even on the brightest and sunniest days. At the same time, the snow driven by the wind does not lie back evenly, but with humps and rifts. Looking at it, it seems that the snow behaves like sand in the desert, forming dunes and endless dunes.
Unpredictable snow creator - this is what a snowstorm is. It can start from a small gust of wind, and just as suddenly disappear. Leaving behind only a memory and an unusual pattern on a snow-white canvas made of snow.