Science Learning Hub logo
TopicsConceptsCitizen scienceTeacher PLDGlossary
Sign in
Article

Snow and ice density

A small dataset showing the typical densities of snow and ice.

New snow (immediately after falling in calm)50-70
Damp new snow
100-200
Settled snow
200-300
Depth hoar
100-300
Wind packed snow
350-400
Firn
400-830
Very wet snow and firn
700-800
Glacier ice
830-917

Source: Paterson, W.S.B. 1994. The Physics of Glaciers.

Related content

oin this citizen science project, How Deep Is Your Snow? and measure the snow depth at your place.

The animated video, Snow to ice shows how snow is transformed into firn.

Glossary

Published: 5 August 2009
Referencing Hub articles

Explore related content

Density

Activity

Density

In this activity, students are introduced to the concept of density. They calculate the volume of various materials to determine ...

Read more
Water and ice

Article

Water and ice

Looking down at the Earth from space, you can get an idea of just how much water there is. In ...

Read more
Water density

Article

Water density

Water density changes with temperature and salinity. Density is measured as mass (g) per unit of volume (cm³). Water is ...

Read more

See our newsletters here.

NewsEventsAboutContact usPrivacyCopyrightHelp

The Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's Science in Society Initiative.

Science Learning Hub Pokapū Akoranga Pūtaiao © 2007-2025 The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato