How to Make Snow Chemistry Kits
Much of the Earth is covered by snow, either permanently or seasonally. Falling snow acts as a filter, collecting atmospheric particles and chemicals. The physical chemistry of snow also sets up processes like glaciation and avalanches. When snow melts, chemical compounds it has absorbed are released into the water table. Snow provides a history of recent and past changes in the environment. Although complex spectrographic analysis of atmospheric gases are often performed to ascertain the chemistry of snow, a simple snow chemistry kit can be assembled from readily available items.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Snow classification charts
- Black felt
- Magnifying glass
- Toothpick
- Digital thermometer
- Wooden tongue depressors
- Number 10 cans (approximately 20)
- PH meter
Instructions
-
-
1
Obtain a magnifying glass and a copy of the classification systems developed by the International Commission on Snow and Ice and a Snow Formation Chart (as developed by Magono and Lee) (see References).
-
2
Classify individual snowflakes, first using the International Commission on Snow and Ice classification system (plate, column, needle, stellar crystal, etc.). Use a toothpick to scrape crystal samples onto black felt.
-
-
3
Use Magono and Lee's Snow Formation Chart to estimate the temperature and humidity conditions under which the snow crystal was formed.
-
4
Dig a snow pit to document changes in the snowpack over time. Use a wooden tongued depressor to cut through exposed layers, probing for changes in the density of the snow. (These will be evidenced by changes in the difficulty or ease with which the tongue depressors cut through the snow.) Repeat this process, marking layer boundaries, all the way to the ground.
-
5
Use a digital monitor to take snow pit temperature measurements every half inch. Sample snow density in each boundary layer by filling a number 10 can with snow. (You will need multiple cans, one for each boundary layer.) Allow the snow to melt and measure the amount of melt water. Record all data in a lab book for analysis. Back in the lab, use a pH meter to observe chemical changes in the various boundary layers.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Glass microscope slides and Krylon plastic spray can be used to preserve crystals. Prepare slides in the cold several hours in advance.
Snow pits can be used to estimate avalanche probability. Steep terrain, changing weather, and heavy snow resting on icy layers can create snowpack instability. Use caution when creating snow pits.
