Book 18, Question 148
What Is a Whiteout?
A whiteout is when snow, clouds, and bright light blend together so everything looks white! The ground, the sky, and the horizon all look the same. It can be very confusing and even a little scary.
More fun facts
- A whiteout happens when snow covers the ground and a thick layer of cloud covers the sky.
- Daylight bounces back and forth between the white snow and the white clouds.
- Everything looks the same brightness, so shadows and contrast disappear.
- You cannot tell where the ground ends and the sky begins, because the horizon vanishes.
- Bumps, holes and other features in the snow become impossible to see.
- Blowing snow can make it even harder to see, and strong winds of over 60 kilometers per hour are likely to lift it.
Sources: nsidc.org, antarctica.gov.au
Questions kids ask
Does it have to be snowing for a whiteout?
No. A snow covered surface under an overcast sky is enough, because light bouncing between them wipes out shadows and the horizon.