Nieve

Nieve is the Spanish word for snow, the form of frozen precipitation that falls from clouds when atmospheric temperatures are at or below the freezing point. In meteorology, snow develops when water vapor in the air deposits directly into ice crystals in clouds, often around microscopic nuclei such as dust. As crystals grow, they can aggregate into snowflakes with diverse shapes. Snow that reaches the ground may accumulate into a snowpack, whose depth and density depend on air temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation.

Snow commonly forms in winter in high-latitude regions and on mountains; in some areas it persists for months and sustains freshwater supplies through spring melt. Snow cover influences climate through high albedo, insulation of the soil, and the timing of soil moisture availability. Snowpack measurements include depth and water equivalent, the latter estimating how much liquid water is contained in the snow.

Snow creates both opportunities and hazards: it supports winter tourism and acts as a vital water reservoir, but it can disrupt transportation and increase avalanche risk. Climate change is affecting snowfall patterns in many regions, with warmer air reducing snow-to-rain ratios and shifting snowline elevations.

Nieve is also a surname of Spanish origin. The term appears in literature, cinema, and cultural contexts within Spanish-speaking countries.