Why Does Snow Sometimes Fall in Deserts?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does snow sometimes fall in deserts?

The Big Idea

Snow can fall in deserts because deserts can be high up! The higher you go, the colder the air gets. When a winter storm brings moist air, it may fall as snow instead of rain.

Climb Higher

Step one: climb higher. The higher you go, the colder the air gets. Many deserts sit on high ground or have tall mountains.

A Winter Storm

Step two: a winter storm. Sometimes a storm carries moist air over a desert. If the air is cold enough, the moisture falls as snow, not rain.

Snow Melts Fast

Step three: the snow melts. In the sunshine, the snow soon melts and can soak into the dry ground. That gives plants a little precious water.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Many deserts are high up. A winter storm brings moisture. It falls as snow. And soon it melts into the ground. A dusting of snow is a treat.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Snow has fallen more than once in Ain Sefra, a town on the edge of the Sahara. It has also fallen in Arizona and even in Chile's Atacama. Desert snow melts quickly in the sunshine. If you visit snow, dress warmly and go with a grown-up.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a tray of crushed ice in a shady spot. Watch how fast it melts. Ask yourself how quickly a thin dusting of snow would vanish in a sunny desert. Wipe up the water when you are done.

Outro

Deserts can get snow when they are high and a cold storm arrives. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!