WhyzardSnow happens when tiny bits of water in really cold clouds turn directly into ice crystals. These little crystals then stick together as they fall, making big, soft snowflakes that float down to the ground. It's like tiny frozen magic!
Heads upThe answer simplifies the complex atmospheric processes of deposition, accretion, and temperature gradients that lead to snowflake formation. It focuses on the visible outcome of cold clouds and combining crystals. Children will understand the full mechanism of phase changes later when discussing states of matter.
For youSnow forms when water vapor in the atmosphere undergoes deposition, changing directly from a gas to a solid (ice) without first becoming liquid water. This occurs in clouds where temperatures are at or below freezing. These ice crystals then grow by accreting more water vapor and colliding with other crystals, forming snowflakes that are heavy enough to fall to the earth.
