FROST: What is Frost | How Frost is Formed | Types of Frost | Which Areas are Frost Free | Effects of Frost |

Hoar Frost Formation on the Leaves of the Plant. 

Written by Prevail Dias

FROST

1) What is Frost?

Frost is a thin layer of ice on the solid surface close to the ground, which forms when the temperature of the solid surface falls to the freezing point of water or below it in the presence of a sufficient amount of water vapor in the air.

2) How Frost is Formed?

Frost is formed when the temperature of the solid surface close to the ground falls at 0°C or below the freezing point of water in the presence of a sufficient amount of water vapor in the air.

For example:-

Under clear night skies and calm weather conditions, the grass on the ground emits more radiation than they receive it from the sky or other objects. If the temperature of the grass gets cold enough and there is a sufficient amount of water vapor in the air, Frost forms on the grass.

3) Types of Frost.

Air Frost:

It forms when the temperature of the air reaches a freezing point(0°C) or falls below it in the presence of a sufficient amount of water vapor in the air.

Air temperature is measured at a height of at least one meter above the ground.

Ground Frost:

It forms when the temperature of the solid surface close to the ground fall at freezing point (0°C) or below it in the presence of sufficient water vapor in the air. Ground frost can occur without an air frost when the ground cools faster than the air.

Hoar Frost/Radiation Frost:

It is formed under clear skies, calm weather conditions because during such conditions the heat radiates faster than it can be replaced from other nearby sources. The objects cool down at 0°C or below it and as a result, the hoar frost is formed.

4) Where is Frost Formed?
Frost can form anywhere when the temperature of the solid surface close to the ground falls at 0°C or below it in the presence of a sufficient amount of water vapor in the air.

5) Which Areas are Frost Free Areas?

Many tropical areas are frost-free areas as most of the time the temperature remains above the freezing point of water. Only the areas which are located 3000m above ground observe frost in the tropics. 

6)  Effects of Frost:

• It can damage crops.
• It can destroy plants and fruits.
• It can damage roads.
• It can cause accidents.
• It can cause problems in transportation.
• It can destroy overhead wires.