El winter It is one of the seasons of the year during which the weather invites you to put on warm clothes and enjoy the landscapes covered by snow. But have you ever wondered why it is less cold when it snows? Or why does the wind whistle?
We are going to talk about these and other curiosities in this article. Find out more about this season that we have just started.
Why does the wind make a sound?
On many winter days - and, really, all year long - the wind can blow quite hard. In doing so, if it runs into an obstacle, for example a blind, it will produce a small acceleration since the passage area for moving air narrows. This phenomenon can also be observed in various regions, as mentioned in the curiosities of winter.
Why is it less cold when it snows?
This, although it seems that not, has a scientific explanation, and it is this: snowflakes, which are made up of ice crystals, trap water vapor as they fall, and that vapor turns into ice. The passage from the gaseous state (water vapor) to the solid (ice) releases heat.
This phenomenon is crucial to understanding why temperatures sometimes seem higher during snowfall. The presence of snow can also act as a thermal insulation, so the air beneath a layer of snow can be significantly warmer than the air in non-snow environments, providing a more temperate environment for wildlife and residents of snow-affected areas. For more details on this phenomenon, see the curiosities about snow.
Why are clear winter nights so cold?
If you're an astronomy enthusiast, you're sure to enjoy the magnificent winter skies. They're clear, they look clean, but it's incredibly cold. Why? Because there are no clouds. The cloud cover prevents the heat received during the day, the infrared radiation, from dissipating, and of course, if there are no clouds, the radiation is lost.
Furthermore, the lack of clouds also contributes to the extremely low temperature felt at night. The heat accumulated on the surface during the day radiates into space without the attenuation of the cloud cover, resulting in unusually cold nights. This phenomenon is very interesting, as explained in the Curiosities about the cold on clear nights.
How is the wind chill calculated?
The thermal sensation is the cold or heat that we perceive regardless of the real temperature. This thermal difference between the skin and the environment is determined by the environmental humidity, the speed and direction of the wind, the cloudiness, among others. (you will find more information in this article). So, for example, if the thermometer shows 10ºC, the sky is clear and there is no wind blowing, we would feel a bit cold, 7,5ºC.
The relationship between winter and health
During winter, our routines, plans, and even our health can be disrupted by the cold temperatures. In this section, we'll explore how winter affects our physical and mental well-being.
The impact on the immune system
Intense cold allows viruses to spread more quickly, contributing to a higher incidence of respiratory infections such as colds and flu. In addition, cold, dry air can irritate mucous membranes that act as natural barriers, increasing susceptibility to infections. To delve deeper into this topic, you can read more about the curiosities of autumn.
Less exposure to sunlight
In winter, the amount of sunlight decreases, which can lead to a reduction in the production of vitamin D in our bodies. This vitamin is essential for bone health and immune function. Therefore, it's advisable to include foods rich in vitamin D, such as fatty fish and fortified dairy products, in your diet, and consider supplementation if necessary.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
The decrease in sunlight can lead some people to experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs during the winter months. Symptoms include sadness, lack of energy, and changes in sleep. Light therapy, which simulates natural light, has been used as an effective treatment to mitigate these effects.
Temperature and snow records
Temperature records remind us of the diversity of climates on Earth and the adaptability of species. Below, we analyze some of these climate extremes.
Oymyakon and Antarctica
Oymyakon, a small town in Siberia, Russia, is known for being the coldest inhabited place in the world. Temperatures in this region can drop to -71.2°C, posing an extreme challenge to its inhabitants. The local community has developed strategies to adapt to the intense cold, such as wearing specialized warm clothing and building homes designed to retain heat. You can explore more about these types of climates in the coldest countries on the planet.
Antarctica, the coldest and windiest continent on Earth, boasts the record for the lowest temperature ever recordedIn August 2010, scientists measured a temperature of -93.2°C on the East Antarctic Plateau. This record highlights the harsh conditions of this environment, where life is scarce and temperatures are extreme.
Aomori in Japan
The city of Aomori, located in northern Japan, is famous for receive the most snow of any city in the worldDuring the winter, Aomori can accumulate over 8 meters of snow, which brings with it a series of logistical challenges for its residents. However, snow is also an integral part of the local culture, and residents have developed techniques to deal with heavy snowfall. This is an example that reflects the adaptation to extreme climate.
These climatic variations are not only fascinating, but they also teach us about the adaptability of living beings and how they handle the extreme conditions that occur during winter.
Curiosities about snowflakes
Snowflakes are an iconic part of winter. Besides being visually stunning, they have some fascinating characteristics:
Each flake is unique
Every snowflake is a masterpiece of nature with a hexagonal structure that reflects the beauty of symmetry. Although they all share the same basic structure, no two snowflakes are alike. This diversity is due to variations in atmospheric conditions that affect their formation. To explore more about these wonders, you can read about the .
The training process
Snowflake formation begins with a tiny particle in the atmosphere, around which water vapor condenses. As the ice crystal grows, it takes on complex shapes that can include branches and intricate patterns. The symmetry of snowflakes is a result of the way water molecules arrange themselves when they freeze..
Flakes and weather
The study of snowflakes not only allows us to appreciate their beauty, but also provides valuable information about the weather and the water cycle on Earth. They are also indicators of atmospheric conditions and can help meteorologists predict the weather. For more information on related phenomena, you can visit this article.
The Earth in winter
Winter is a global phenomenon that affects everyone on Earth. In this section, we explore how winter varies in different parts of the world.
Perihelion and the tilt of the Earth's axis
Interestingly, during the winter in the northern hemisphere, the Earth is at its closest point to the Sun, known as perihelion. This phenomenon occurs around January 3rd. Despite this proximity, winter is still cold due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, which decreases the amount of direct sunlight reaching the surface. For a deeper understanding of this, you can review the Curiosities of the solstice.
The influence of winter on creativity
Winter isn't just a cold season; it can also be a time of reflection and creativity. Many studies have shown that low temperatures can stimulate creativity.
Isolation and creativity
People often find inspiration in the isolation that winter can provide. This space for introspection and reflection is essential for the creative process. Long nights and short days invite contemplation and the development of new ideas.
Winter calm
Winter offers a peaceful environment that can inspire artistic production. The quiet conditions created by snow and cold can help free the mind and foster creativity.
The myths of winter
There are several myths about winter that are important to debunk. Here we discuss some of them and clarify the truth behind popular beliefs.
The idea that the cold “makes you lose weight”
A common myth is that cold weather can help you lose weight. While it's true that the body burns more calories to stay warm, this doesn't mean that cold weather is an effective solution for weight loss. For more information on the impact of cold weather, you can visit this article.
Winter illnesses
There's also a belief that cold weather causes illness. The truth is that viruses spread more easily in winter because people tend to gather more in closed spaces, facilitating the transmission of illnesses like the flu.
Curiosities about the winter solstice
The winter solstice, which occurs around December 21, has numerous curiosities that often go unnoticed:
- The solstice marks the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.
- Ancient cultures celebrated this event with festivals and rituals.
- Due to the tilt of the axis, the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky during the winter solstice.
This event not only has great cultural significance, but also marks the gradual beginning of longer days, a change that is celebrated in many parts of the world.
Tips for coping with winter
Finally, as we adjust to winter conditions, here are some helpful tips for getting through this season:
- Dress in layers to stay warm.
- Incorporate foods rich in vitamin D into your diet.
- Expose yourself to sunlight whenever possible to combat SAD.
With these tips and knowledge, we can face winter in a healthier and more conscious way. The next time you feel the cold or admire a snowfall, remember all the wonders and curiosities this season brings.