I Love Science
Lake Effect Snow...
Erie, Pennsylvania just had a three-day snow accumulation of approximately 62.9 inches (159.8 cm). This was due to its location on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and a phenomenon known as "lake effect snow".
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This occurs when cold air moves over a large expanse of warmer water. Heat and moisture are transferred to the lower portion of the atmosphere.
As the warm, moist air rises, it results in the formation of clouds. The clouds grow larger and snow begins to fall.
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The snow will usually fall in "bands" oriented in the direction of the wind. The bands are about 10 miles (16 km) wide and can vary from 30 to 250 miles (48 to 402 km) in length; depending on the strength of the winds.
Here is a radar image from 2014 showing a large snow band in the area of Buffalo, New York.
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Erie, Pennsylvania just had a three-day snow accumulation of approximately 62.9 inches (159.8 cm). This was due to its location on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and a phenomenon known as "lake effect snow".
This occurs when cold air moves over a large expanse of warmer water. Heat and moisture are transferred to the lower portion of the atmosphere.
As the warm, moist air rises, it results in the formation of clouds. The clouds grow larger and snow begins to fall.
The snow will usually fall in "bands" oriented in the direction of the wind. The bands are about 10 miles (16 km) wide and can vary from 30 to 250 miles (48 to 402 km) in length; depending on the strength of the winds.
Here is a radar image from 2014 showing a large snow band in the area of Buffalo, New York.
