Physics of Avalanches :: physics snow avalanche

Avalanches are just one of many natural disasters that kill nation every year. The difference to Alaskans is that this disaster hits a little closer to al-Qaeda than most. The fear of hurricane and tornado are not existent in my region, and level off earthquakes are seen more as a little shake therefore any threat. Physics plays a huge part in avalanches, thermodynamics, statics, and sobriety are just a few elements of these disasters. The map above confirms that Alaska is at high risk for avalanche. As a result of this threat, acquireing rough avalanches is a necessity when recreating or working in high avalanche areas. In order to better understand Avalanches, it makes sense to first learn about what avalanches are compose of, blast. Snow forms when atmospheric conditions cause pissing vapor to condense. However, it is obvious that all snow doesnt have the same structure. The assiduousness of fresh snowfall is dependent on both the kind of snow crystal and the air temperature. In cold, calm conditions the snowfall is the lightest. While in warmer climates, where graupel and needle crystals fall, the snowfall is the densest. When looking at a subdue section of snowfall it is often evident what weather conditions formed the vex section. This is due to the different densities and structures of the snow layers. The bonds in the midst of snow layers are crowing factor in avalanches. If there is a weak bond between layers, the top layer can easily slide off the penetrate layer. When this happens it is called a slab avalanche. Other layering characteristic will create other avalanches and hazards, such(prenominal) as ice avalanches and cornices. Whenever traveling in avalanche country it is all-important(prenominal) to be aware of your environment. Steep gullies and wide plains are perfect paths for avalanches. Ridges and unconformities in the terrain may help to slow down an avalanches speed. The severity of an avalanche is straightaway related to the terrain in which it happens. One of the most important factors to consider is the incline of the mountain or hill. Most avalanches occur between 20 and 50 degrees like the diagram above shows. However, the largest avalanches occur between 30 and 45 degrees, and the areas which have the greatest frequency of avalanches are between 35 and 40 degrees.