What Is a Cornice?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is a cornice?

The Big Idea

A cornice is a big overhanging lip of snow that wind builds along a mountain ridge. It looks a bit like a frozen ocean wave, curling out into the air. Cornices can break off without warning, so we admire them from far away.

Wind Blows Snow

Step one: wind blows snow over a ridge. Mountain winds pick up loose snow and carry it along. At the edge of the ridge, the wind slows down and drops the snow.

Snow Packs Into a Curl

Step two: the snow packs into a curl. Piece by piece, the snow builds up and sticks out past the edge of the rock. It makes a hanging lip, a bit like a frozen ocean wave.

Stay Back

Step three: stay well back. A cornice can hang over a long drop and still look like solid ground. It can snap off without warning, so hikers keep far from ridge edges in snowy seasons.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look at a cornice! First comes the wind, which does the building. It happens along the edge of a ridge. The curl sticks out over empty air. So everyone stays far back from the edge.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! A cornice can hang over a drop and look like solid ground. It is built by wind, not by a snow shovel. The overhang can break without warning. So hikers stay well back from ridge edges in snowy seasons.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Put a pile of flour or sugar on the edge of a book. Use a spoon to push a curl out past the edge. Notice how it hangs over, just like a cornice. Do it on a tray to keep things tidy.

Outro

A cornice is a wave made of snow. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!