Differences Between Snow and Ice

What mainly gives snow its whiteness?

The presence of air caught within the ice-needles

How does the texture of glacier-ice compare to that of snow?

Glacier-ice is like glass, making flowers and needles discernible.

What happens to snow under hard pressure, according to the text?

It transforms into firm ice.

What characterizes 'the line of perpetual snow' mentioned in the text?

It is where snow and ice persist throughout the year. Signup and view all the answers

At what altitude is the snow-line over the equator located?

Approximately 16,000 feet Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if Mont Blanc were situated on the equator?

It would not be a snow-clad mountain. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes solid blocks of ice from masses of feathery snow, according to the text?

The presence of air between the ice-needles in snow Signup and view all the answers

How do solid blocks of ice compare to glacier-ice?

'The texture of glacier-ice is close-like that of glass' unlike solid blocks of ice. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between snowfall and thawing exactly at the snow-line?

They are roughly equal in quantity. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do glaciers act as an outlet for the snow on mountain heights?

By forming rivers of ice that flow down to lower levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why mountains wearing perpetual snow do not continuously grow higher?

The thawing of snow equals the snowfall below the snow-line. Signup and view all the answers

How do the rivers of ice flowing from mountain heights differ from liquid rivers flowing into the ocean?

They have solid banks rather than liquid banks. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes Swiss mountains with perpetual snow from gentle English hills with respect to drainage?

Swiss mountains have rivers of ice instead of rivers of water. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if there were no glaciers to help the superabundant snow on mountain heights escape?

The mountains would gradually grow taller. Signup and view all the answers

Why does summer warmth in certain regions not lead to the disappearance of winter ice and snow?

Thawing is insufficient to counterbalance winter additions. Signup and view all the answers

'Liquid rivers with liquid banks; solid rivers with solid banks.' What does this statement imply?

'Liquid' refers to water while 'solid' refers to ice. Signup and view all the answers

'Another mode of escape is found.' What is this 'mode of escape' mentioned in the text?

'Mode of escape' refers to glaciers carrying away the superabundant snow. Signup and view all the answers

Why does summer warmth in certain regions fail to get rid of winter ice and snow?

The quantity of thawing during summer is not enough to balance the wintry additions. Signup and view all the answers

What causes mountains with perpetual snow to not continuously grow higher?

The yearly thawing exceeds the yearly snowfall lower down the mountain. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the mighty snowfields of Switzerland from any gentle range of English hills?

They have rivers of ice instead of rivers of water. Signup and view all the answers

Why are glaciers considered an outlet for superabundant snow on mountain heights?

Glaciers allow excess snow to escape by flowing away as ice rivers. Signup and view all the answers

What do solid rivers and liquid rivers have in common based on the text?

They both flow into the ocean. Signup and view all the answers

How does the yearly thawing compare to the yearly snowfall exactly at the snow-line?

Yearly thawing equals the yearly snowfall. Signup and view all the answers

How are rivers flowing from high levels of land to lower levels described in the text?

"Solid rivers with solid banks." Signup and view all the answers

What role do glaciers play in preventing continuous growth of mountains wearing perpetual snow?

Glaciers act as an outlet for excess snow by flowing as ice rivers. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic must be present for mountains with perpetual snow to continuously grow higher?

The quantity of summer thawing should be less than wintery additions Signup and view all the answers