From Powder Snow to Glacier Ice

GlacierXperience delves into the spatial phenomena and processes related to ice, as well as the landscapes shaped by glaciers. This includes exploring the accumulation areas during periods of ice growth, allowing observations of ice formation in real-time. Glaciers originate from fresh snow that transforms into firn over at least one season, eventually condensing into ice. In low temperatures, powder snow forms, which is easily dispersed by wind. This involves not just glaciological but also aeolian processes, commonly seen in dune formation. For wind-driven formation, a lack of or sparse vegetation, along with a substantial amount of loose material – in this case, fresh snow – is essential. The surface conditions should be dry, and the wind, strong.

The snow particles are transported differently based on wind speed, either through saltation or creeping. With higher wind speeds, there’s a greater mass movement; when the wind slows, accumulation occurs. Therefore, when the wind encounters an obstacle and slows down, more material accumulates around these solid forms. This results in an increased thickness and density of the snow layer.