GROUND BLIZZARD Meaning and
Definition
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A ground blizzard is a meteorological phenomenon characterized by severe winter weather conditions that result in the formation of blowing snow and reduced visibility near the Earth's surface. It occurs when a significant amount of falling or recently fallen snow is lifted from the ground by strong winds, causing it to become airborne and creating a blizzard-like effect. Unlike a typical blizzard where snowfall is the main factor, a ground blizzard primarily involves the redistribution of existing snow.
The key elements of a ground blizzard include powerful winds and fresh, loose snow cover. When wind speeds exceed a certain threshold, usually around 25-35 miles per hour, they are capable of lifting the loose snow particles from the ground and pushing them horizontally, resulting in near-zero visibility as well as widespread drifting of snow. These strong winds can blow the snow particles up to several feet into the air, creating a whiteout effect and making it extremely difficult to navigate or see beyond a few feet.
Ground blizzards are most common in flat, open areas where there is an abundant supply of loose snow and minimal natural or artificial obstructions. They can significantly impact transportation, making roads and highways impassable due to the reduced visibility and the accumulation of drifted snow. The combination of high winds, subfreezing temperatures, and extreme wind chill can also pose a serious threat to human health and safety.
Overall, a ground blizzard is a wintry phenomenon involving fierce winds lifting existing snow off the ground, negatively impacting visibility and causing widespread drifting of snow.
Etymology of GROUND BLIZZARD
The word "ground blizzard" is a combination of the words "ground" and "blizzard". Here is the etymology of each:
1. Ground: The word "ground" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "grund". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "grunduz", which means "bottom" or "foundation". This word has been retained in various Germanic languages with similar meanings. Over time, it developed to refer specifically to the surface of the Earth, and this sense has remained consistent through the centuries.
2. Blizzard: The word "blizzard" is relatively recent compared to "ground". It originated in the United States in the late 19th century.
