A weather condition in which falling or blowing snow reduces visibility so severely that a person cannot distinguish the horizon from the ground, eliminating shadows, depth perception and orientation entirely. Whiteouts occur during blizzards and over featureless snow- or ice-covered terrain such as polar ice sheets, and have caused fatal disorientation among travelers, skiers and polar expedition members who lose all visual reference.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceA condition in which daylight is diffused by multiple reflections between a snow surface and an overcast sky, so contrasts vanish and the observer cannot distinguish the horizon or any snow surface feature 1 Connections
Demonstrated By
Tundra, Biomes Source National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sources
1. Whiteout, National Snow and Ice Data Center Cryosphere Glossary
Glossary entry for whiteoutQuote, Glossary entry for whiteout
a condition in which daylight is diffused by multiple reflections between a snow surface and an overcast sky; contrasts vanish, and the observer is unable to distinguish the horizon or any snow surface feature
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationDemonstrated By: TundraView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
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