TERMIUM Plus®

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FACETING PROCESS [1 record]

Filter results by subject field Alphabetical list of terms

Filter results by subject field

Alphabetical list of terms

Record 1 2008-10-30

English

Subject field(s)
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Atmospheric, Climatic and Meteorological Phenomena
DEF

A metamorphic process occurring in a dry snowpack with a strong temperature gradient (usually >10°C/m) where takes place development of sharp corners and facets on snow grains and, eventually formation of depth hoar under higher temperature gradient (usually 20°C/M).

CONT

The formation of faceted grains marks the beginning of TG metamorphism. ... As long as there is sufficient temperature difference between individual grains in the snowpack [and] if the size of the initial ice grains is large enough, the process of TG metamorphism will continue and large cup crystals with well-developed stepped surfaces will form ... depth hoar.

CONT

TG metamorphism is the result of a relatively large temperature difference between the ground surface and the snow surface in a shallow snowpack.

OBS

There are two metamorphic processes in dry snow: equitemperature (ET) metamorphism (e.g. rounding) and temperature gradient (TG) metamorphism (e.g. faceting).

OBS

The term constructive ... metamorphism [is] no longer used in North America.

OBS

Temperature gradient metamorphism (TG): An older term used to describe the faceting or squaring process driven by strong temperature gradients. Currently the terms kinetic growth or faceting are preferred.

Key term(s)
  • high temperature gradient metamorphism
  • TG-metamorphism
  • facetting
  • facetting process

French

Domaine(s)
  • Physique de l'atmosphère
  • Phénomènes météorologiques, climatiques et atmosphériques
CONT

métamorphose constructive. Les cristaux de neige évoluent en cristaux à faces planes puis en gobelets creux si le gradient est suffisamment fort. Les grands cristaux deviennent toujours plus grands, les petits se dissolvent. Entraîne une perte de la résistance de la couche de neige métamorphosée.

CONT

Lorsque la différence de température dans le manteau neigeux est moyenne ou grande, nous assistons à une métamorphose constructive, c'est-à-dire à un agrandissement des cristaux de neige. Ils évoluent en cristaux à faces planes, puis ils prennent une forme concave, d'où leur nom de gobelets.

OBS

Selon le gradient de température, on considère les métamorphoses de faible (rounding), moyen ou fort (faceting) gradient. La notion anglaise «faceting» englobe à la fois les métamorphoses de moyen (formation de grains à face plane) et fort gradient (formation de gobelets).

OBS

La morphologie des grains résultant dépend de la valeur du gradient : - gradient faible (<5 °C/m) = grains fins - gradient moyen (5 °C/m < gradient < 20 °C/m) = grains à face planes - gradient fort (gradient > 20 °C/m) = givre de profondeur (gobelets)

Spanish

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