From time to time we hear the weather forecast for 1-2 days in advance. In this regard, in the winter we sometimes have to deal with concepts such as “ice” and “ice”. Have you ever wondered what is ice and sleet? Many people are sure that this is one and the same. Not! These are two completely different concepts! Do you know how to behave during icy and icy conditions, so as not to slip and get serious injuries? Let's dot all the “and” and figure out what's what.
What is ice?
The definition of this concept can be considered both from a scientific and philistine point of view. From a scientific point of view, ice is called ice deposition on various open surfaces. This occurs mainly on the windward side and by freezing drops of precipitated supercooled precipitation, for example, rain, and only at low air temperatures.
In simpler terms, ice is a formation of ice on trees, wires and ground, directly related to the freezing of rain falling on a cold surface at negative air temperature. That is ice!
At what temperatures does ice occur?
In principle, this is a fairly common occurrence in the winter. It is observed at air temperatures from 0 to -12 degrees Celsius and at positive values: from 0 to +3 degrees Celsius.
How often does it happen?
So, what is ice, we figured out. But what is the frequency of its occurrence? As mentioned above, it occurs during the cold half-year and, as a rule, during the removal of warm, humid air from the Mediterranean Sea or from the Atlantic.
Forecasters note that about once every 10 years, ice is quite intense and long, covering the entire region. According to the Hydrometeorological Center of Russia, the last time this phenomenon reached the scale of a natural disaster and occurred in 2010.
Picture of ice
The thickness of the frozen ice, as a rule, does not have any gigantic dimensions. Usually it fluctuates within 1 centimeter and a little higher. But if this thickness exceeds the above level, then this can lead to serious consequences. Here is some of them:
- breaks in power lines;
- ice crust on cars;
- massive fall of trees;
- car crashes;
- injuring people.
Ice in winter usually builds up during the whole time until supercooled precipitation falls to Earth from Cosmos. Ice deposited on the ground, trees, cars, roofs of houses can persist for many days. Its growth usually lasts no more than an hour, but the destruction occurs rather slowly and almost always due to the evaporation of ice.
Sleet
What is glaze? This is the most common ice that occurs on the earth's surface (on roads, roofs of houses) as a result of freezing of water after a thaw or rain with a sudden drop in air temperature (cooling). The second name for this natural phenomenon is “slippery road”.
In a word, glaze is formed by melting snow (or ice) during a sharp warming. This phenomenon occurs quite often with fluctuations in air temperature of about 0 degrees Celsius. Here is what is ice!
The difference between ice and sleet
As noted above, both of these concepts have nothing in common with each other, but are equally dangerous to humans. Given these natural phenomena, a rather serious threat to the life and health of people, especially motorists, arises.
Once again, we note the difference between the two: icy is the overcooled precipitation, and icy is frozen water that already covered the ground, for example, came from its surface or from other sources, was formed as a result of a short-term thaw. In addition, ice is a rare occurrence compared to ice.
Rules for ice and sleet that must be observed
You must carefully listen to the weather forecast. If weather forecasters transmit ice or sleet, you need to act.
- The best way to maintain your balance without falling on the ice and not getting injured is to use shoes with metal heels or with ribbed soles. An insulating tape or medical adhesive tape can be glued onto a dry sole.
- To move along the street in such a period you need to be very careful and, most importantly, not in a hurry! Step fully on the sole. Your hands should be free at this time, and your legs slightly relaxed. While traveling on ice, pensioners should “arm themselves” with a cane with a rubber tip.
- If you all slipped, try to maintain balance by balancing with your own hands. It reminds of peculiar dances on ice.
- There is another option for the development of the situation, if you slip: you can crouch, thereby lowering the height of the fall. If you do fall, group and try to roll at the moment of impact on the ice. This should soften the blow. These are the techniques stuntmen use on set.
- If you get a serious injury (hit your head, cut an eyebrow, break your arm) or a bruise, then be sure to contact the nearest trauma center.
- It should be remembered that ice is often accompanied by icing of power lines, so pay special attention to them, as well as to the wires of contact networks. The fact is that dangling bare wires can be under your feet.
- Dear motorists! During any icy events, please refrain from using your transport if possible! This will allow you to protect yourself, your vehicle and pedestrians.