snøflak

Snøflak is a Norwegian word that translates to "snowflake" in English. It refers to a single ice crystal or an aggregation of ice crystals that falls from the atmosphere as snow. The formation of snøflak is a complex process that begins with microscopic ice nuclei, such as dust particles, in clouds. Water vapor condenses and freezes onto these nuclei, forming hexagonal ice crystals. These crystals grow by accreting more water vapor and can collide and stick together to form larger snøflak. The intricate and unique shapes of snøflak are determined by the temperature and humidity conditions during their formation. No two snøflak are exactly alike, a fact often attributed to the vast number of possible growth pathways and environmental variations. When snøflak accumulate on the ground, they form snow cover, which plays a significant role in many ecosystems, influencing water availability, insulation for plants and animals, and even reflecting solar radiation.