What is the difference between artificial snow and natural snow?

Generally, ski resorts use snowmaking machines to make snow, because most areas do not have such a large amount of snowfall. The main differences between artificial snow and natural snow are as follows:

1. Different production methods

Artificial snow is formed by high-pressure water that condenses into ice. The principle is to use a spray compressor to generate a high-speed air flow, break up the water flow sprayed from a special nozzle or spray gun into tiny water droplets, and spray them into the cold air. During the falling process, these tiny water droplets condense into ice crystals to form snow; while natural snow is natural snowfall, which is formed by water vapor. When the temperature drops, due to the tiny dust in the air as condensation nuclei, the water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets. When the temperature drops below 0 degrees, the water droplets will become tiny ice crystals, and a large number of ice crystals gather together to form snowflakes.

2. Different shapes

Because artificial snow is made directly with high-pressure water, the shapes of artificial snow and natural snow are different. Most artificial snow is spherical small particles; while natural snow is mostly hexagonal.

3. Different storage time

Artificial snow has a longer storage period than natural snow. It is not easy to melt and decompose under high temperature and light. It has low water content, is dry and hard, and is more suitable for ski resorts, snow parks and other places. Natural snow has a short storage period, is not easy to keep white, has high water content, and is soft in texture, which cannot meet the snow requirements of ice and snow venues.