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Jan 20, 2005 17:01

Why does snow squeak when you walk on it?
Does anybody know?

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Comments 6

spunk_rock January 20 2005, 14:03:16 UTC
Shoes = rubber soles, usually.
Snow = frozen water
Rubber + water = squeak

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iamabee_buzz January 20 2005, 14:25:12 UTC
but it's not that kind of squeak! it's not a squeaky rubber squeak, it's snow-on-snow semi-squeak!
and not all shoes have rubber soles, but snow always makes that crunchy squeak noise!

HUH! HOW ABOUT THAT?!?!

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spunk_rock January 20 2005, 14:36:11 UTC
"Why does fresh snow squeak and squawk when you step on it? You're hearing the death throes of ice crystals.

The reason that crystals are only crushed in cold weather stems from the fact that water's freezing point, like its boiling point, changes with pressure. When pressure rises, the boiling point rises and the freezing point drops.

When you walk on snow, your boots apply pressure. If the snow is warmer than about 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C), the pressure partly melts the snow, which "flows" under your boot instead of breaking. If the snow is colder, it does not melt, and your boot crushes those innocent ice crystals, accounting for that plaintive scrunching sound.

Similarly, ice skating and skiing both depend on pressure from the skate or ski, which melts a thin layer of ice or snow, causing a thin, low-friction film of water. "

From here

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iamabee_buzz January 20 2005, 14:58:32 UTC
thank you! :D

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girlcalledsorry January 20 2005, 19:21:18 UTC
beacuse the snow is screaming "GET OFF MY FACE!!!!!!!!" when u walk on it. u just can't hear it cuz snow is tiny :P

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