Definition

1. Noun:
   • The line on a mountain above which there is perpetual snow and ice: The "snow line" is the specific altitude or contour on a mountain above which snow and ice persist year-round, never completely melting. It marks the boundary between the seasonally snow-covered area below and the permanently snow-covered area above.

Usage

• The "snow line" is a geographical and climatological term. It is used to describe a physical feature of a mountain or a mountain range. The position of the snow line varies with latitude, climate, and local weather conditions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The climbers had to turn back when they reached the snow line, as they were not equipped for the icy conditions.
  • Due to global warming, the snow line on many mountains is rising to higher altitudes.
  • From the valley, we could clearly see the snow line separating the green slopes from the white peaks.

Advanced Usage

• "The permanent snow line": This is a more precise term, emphasizing that the snow and ice above this line do not melt completely, even in summer.
  • The study focused on changes in the permanent snow line in the Alps over the last century.

Variants and Related Words

• Snowfield (n): A large, permanent expanse of snow on relatively level ground, typically found at or above the snow line.
  • They crossed a vast snowfield near the summit.
• Timberline / Treeline (n): The line on a mountain above which trees cannot grow. This is typically found at a lower altitude than the snow line.
  • Their camp was set just below the timberline.

Synonyms

• Firn line (n): In glaciology, this is a related but more specific term for the line separating the seasonal snow area from the glacier ice area where snow has compacted into firn.
• Climatic snow line (n): A term used to describe the theoretical snow line based on climate averages over a long period.

Related Phrases

• Above/below the snow line: Common phrases used to describe a location relative to this boundary.
  • The resort's highest ski lift terminates just below the snow line.
  • The flora changes dramatically above the snow line.

Noun

1. the line on a mountain above which there is perpetual snow and ice