What Makes Snowflakes Take Shape?

Name: What Makes Snowflakes Take Shape?
Uploaded: 2021-02-10T00:00:00+00:00
Description: The shape of a snowflake is determined by the temperature and humidity of the atmosphere where it forms — cold, dry air produces simple plates and columns, while warmer, moister freezing air creates intricate, symmetrical hexagonal crystals. This animated science video for children ages 5–10 explains the different shapes snowflakes can take and why no two are exactly alike.

This video is a part of Animated Atmosphere, a suite of short videos produced by the UCAR Center for Science Education with FableVision Studios.

Do you know that snowflakes are different shapes? Their shape depends on air temperature and humidity where they form. Find out why some snowflakes have simple shapes and others are more intricate.

Transcript

[0:05] Snowflakes come in many shapes, but what makes those flakes take shape?

[0:08] Some snowflakes are simple shapes and others have intricate patterns.

[0:12] The temperature and humidity of the atmosphere

[0:14] where the snowflake forms determines the shape of the crystals.

[0:17] A flat plate, a long column, a star shape, or a prism.

[0:20] Snowflakes that form in cold, dry air have simple crystal plates and columns.

[0:24] Moisture and warmer but still freezing air temperatures result in more intricately shaped snowflakes.

[0:28] Snowflakes can be symmetrical hexagons like the ones you make from

[0:31] folded paper, or they can be small and irregularly shaped.

[0:35] But make no mistake, all snowflake shapes are great.