Why Do You Sunburn Faster in the Mountains?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do you sunburn faster in the mountains?

The Big Idea

You sunburn faster in the mountains because the Sun's UV light is stronger up high! There is less air above you to block it. And snow makes it even stronger.

Less Air Above

Step one: less air above. At high places, there is less air above you to block ultraviolet light, or UV, from the Sun. UV is the part of sunlight that causes sunburn. You cannot see it or feel its heat.

UV Grows

Step two: UV grows. UV gets stronger by about 10 percent for each 3,000 feet of height. So the Sun is much stronger on a high mountain than at the beach. A cool breeze can fool you.

Snow Bounce

Step three: snow bounces light. Snow also bounces sunlight back up at you. So hikers use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, even when it feels cool outside.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Sunscreen goes on all skin that is not covered. A hat shades your face. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the glare of bright snow. And long sleeves cover your arms.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! You can get sunburn under your chin from sunlight reflecting off snow. Cool air does not mean weak sunshine. UV is invisible, so you cannot see or feel it working. Ask a grown-up to help you put on sunscreen, and to put more on every couple of hours.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a sunprint paper or a UV-bead bracelet in the shade. Put another one in the Sun. Which changes color more? That shows UV at work. Wear sunscreen, too!

Outro

UV is stronger in the mountains, so protect your skin and eyes. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!