Ukrainian polar explorers took photos of rare snow rolls or “donuts” in the Antarctic. This was reported by the National Antarctic Research Center.
Snow rolls are multi-layered bundles of snow ranging in size from a few centimeters to more than 1 meter, usually with a void inside.
This phenomenon is considered quite rare, as specific weather conditions are required to create snow rolls, among other things:
- Two different layers of snow. The lower one is frozen or covered with ice crust, it will be like a substrate. The top one is fresh, plump, and wet. It should cover the lower one, but not stick to it;
- The air temperature is close to the ice melting point, i.e. slightly above 0°C;
- The wind should be strong enough to move the snow clumps, but not to destroy them.
- In addition, a slope is needed to make the snow rolls easier to roll up.
Because the snow rolls contain fresh snow that is lightly dense, it is easily weathered and leaves a hole in the center.
It is noted that snow donuts can be seen not only in the Antarctic.
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