Ice vs. Snow — What's the Difference?

Ice and snow, while both forms of solid water, differ greatly in their formation, texture, and appearance. Ice is typically a clear, hard solid formed when liquid water freezes. It can form on a pond, in a freezer, or even on a cold windowpane. Snow, on the other hand, is a multitude of tiny ice crystals that come together when atmospheric water vapor freezes, usually in clouds, and then descends to the ground.

It's interesting to note that while both ice and snow are cold and solid, their physical properties can be quite different. A frozen lake is solid ice and can often support the weight of a person or even a vehicle. In contrast, snow, being a collection of ice crystals, is fluffy and compressible. Stepping on a snow-covered ground gives a very different sensation than stepping on a sheet of ice.

From an aesthetic point of view, ice and snow also differ greatly. Ice tends to be clear to cloudy in appearance and can form large sheets or icicles. Snow, on the other hand, falls as small, individual flakes, each with its own unique structure, and accumulates in soft blankets covering landscapes. Moreover, ice can have a slippery surface, posing challenges in walking or driving. Snow can also be slippery, especially when packed or melted and refrozen, but fresh snow often offers more traction.

While both ice and snow are closely associated with winter and cold temperatures, the conditions that lead to their formation differ. For ice to form, you simply need water and temperatures below freezing. Snow, however, requires a specific atmospheric process with moisture and freezing conditions in the atmosphere, leading to the development of snowflakes that eventually fall to the ground.