Layering of Snow

Snow layers are formed as a tabular body of snow with younger at top and oldest at the bottom having well defined boundaries of their precipations if at certain gaps (AGI, 1960). The layers are differentiated from the surrounding one due to unique deposition and post-deposition processes. Each layer of snow forms a snow packs which differs in physical and microstructural properties from those above and below. The layering sequence and its characteristics govern thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of the snow pack. The strength of the snow pack and the transport of air, water, and heat through it are also dependent on layer's characteristics. Under natural conditions they exhibit irregular boundaries and a wide range of grain and bond characteristics when traced laterally.

The definition focuses on the fact that the microstructure (grain size, shape, and arrangement and nature of bonds) differs from one layer to another. Though the layering seems simple, the real snow layers...