sleet
Definition
Sleet is a type of precipitation that forms when raindrops fall through a layer of cold air and freeze. The raindrops freeze into small, ice pellets that fall to the ground.
Sleet is often mistaken for hail, but it is different because hail forms in thunderstorms, while sleet forms in cold air. Hail is also typically larger than sleet.
Sleet can be dangerous because it can cause slippery roads and sidewalks. It can also make it difficult to see, especially at night.
Sleet is most common in the winter, but it can also occur in the fall and spring. It is often accompanied by thunderstorms, which can make the roads and sidewalks even more slippery.
How can the word be used?
The sleet fell heavily for hours.
Different forms of the word
Noun:
- a mixture of rain and snow.
- small, hard pellets of ice that fall from the sky.
Verb:
- to fall as sleet.
Etymology
The word "sleet" comes from the Old English word "slæt", which also means "sleet".
The first recorded use of the word "sleet" in English was in the 8th century.
The word "sleet" is an Old English word, and it is related to the Dutch word "sleet" and the German word "Schneeregen".
Question
What is sleet?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the formation of sleet and its key characteristics as a form of frozen precipitation, highlighting the atmospheric conditions required for its occurrence and the potential impacts on surface conditions.
Answer:
Sleet is a type of frozen precipitation that forms when raindrops freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. It occurs under specific atmospheric conditions where there is a layer of cold air near the surface and a warmer layer above.
As rain falls from a higher layer of warmer air into the subfreezing layer closer to the ground, the raindrops freeze into small ice pellets before landing. This process is different from freezing rain, where raindrops freeze on contact with a cold surface, creating a layer of ice.
Sleet is characterized by its distinctive sound when it hits surfaces and its ability to bounce or bounce upon impact. Unlike snow, which consists of delicate ice crystals, sleet pellets are solid and dense.
The presence of sleet can have various impacts on surface conditions. It can create hazardous driving conditions due to the potential for slippery roads and reduced visibility. Additionally, sleet accumulation can lead to slippery surfaces on sidewalks and cause power outages if ice accumulates on power lines and trees.