snowbed
Persistent mountain snow
A snowbed is a persistent patch of snow that lingers in sheltered locations—mountain hollows, north-facing slopes, or shaded depressions—long after surrounding snow has melted.
These features create distinct microclimates and support specialized plant communities adapted to short growing seasons: Alpine flowers bloomed at the edges of the snowbed.
Year-old compacting snow
- névéGranular, compacted alpine snow
- cirqueGlacier-carved mountain basin
- couloirSteep mountain gully
- moraineGlacier-deposited debris pile
glacier · permafrost · treeline · altitude · scree · tundra · summit · serac
Gradual movement, no direction
- corniceOrnamental upper trim
- powderFine dry particles
- windblownDisplaced by gusts
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
compaction · settling · layering · depth · melt · sublimation · recrystallization · slush
Thermal transfer prevention
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- voleShort-tailed field rodent
- lemmingSmall arctic rodent
ptarmigan · flora · fauna · overwintering · dormancy · protection · snowmelt · moisture
firn
Year-old compacting snow
moraine · glacier · permafrost · treeline · altitude · scree · tundra · summit · serac · crevasse
drift
Gradual movement, no direction
deposition · compaction · settling · layering · depth · melt · sublimation · recrystallization · slush · windchill
insulation
Thermal transfer prevention
- microclimateLocalized atmospheric zone
- hibernationProlonged winter dormancy
- voleShort-tailed field rodent
lemming · ptarmigan · flora · fauna · overwintering · dormancy · protection · snowmelt · moisture · germination
tundra
Frigid treeless biome
terrain · topography · geology · erosion · fjord · taiga · biome · ecosystem · outcrop · sediment
snowbedbare soil
Uncovered earth surface
bedrock · scree · talus · summer meadow
snowbeddesert
To leave behind completely
sand dune · arid zone · dustbowl · dry lakebed · hardpan
snowbedscree
Loose rock debris
talus · rock outcrop · dust · parched earth · desert floor
- snowball fightPlayful winter combat
- snowball effectsCumulative amplification processes
- snowball's chanceNo realistic prospect
- snowball's chance in hellInevitable failure assured
- snowball cookiesRound nut cookies dusted white