corn snow
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- Granular snow formed by alternate thawing and freezing: "Corn snow" refers to a specific type of snow with a coarse, granular texture. It is created when the surface of a snowpack undergoes repeated cycles of melting during the day and refreezing at night.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The spring skiing conditions were perfect, with a thick layer of corn snow covering the slopes.
- Hikers should be cautious of corn snow on steep slopes in the afternoon, as it can become unstable.
Advanced Usage
"to ski on corn snow": to engage in skiing on this specific granular snow surface.
- Experienced skiers love to ski on corn snow because it provides a smooth, carveable surface.
"corn snow cycle": the diurnal process of thawing and freezing that creates this snow type.
- The warm days and cold nights are responsible for the corn snow cycle in the mountains.
Variants and Related Words
Corn (n, in this context): An informal term for this type of granular snow, often used by skiers and snowboarders.
- The corn is perfect for carving turns.
Firn (n): A related but more technical term for old, granular snow that is being compressed into glacial ice.
Synonyms
- Granular snow: A more general descriptive term.
- Spring snow: A common synonym, as this condition is typical in spring.
Related Phrases
- "Corn up" (verb phrase, informal): For the snow to develop into a corn snow texture.
- If the sun stays out, the slope should corn up nicely by noon.
Related Idioms
- No common idioms specifically use "corn snow." It is a technical term primarily used in skiing, mountaineering, and meteorology.
Noun
- granular snow formed by alternate thawing and freezing