Frost: what are, types and how they affect

Frosts are a meteorological phenomenon that occurs when air temperature near the earth’s surface descends below 0 degrees Celsiuscausing the water present in the environment, such as dew, freezes. This process generates a thin layer of ice on exposed objects, such as plants, floors, ceilings or vehicles.

Radiation frosts

This type of frost occurs on clear nights and with little or no cloudiness. During the day, the ground accumulates heat from the sun, but when the night arrives, this heat is lost to the atmosphere due to thermal radiation. If there are no clouds that act as a kind of “blanket” that retains heat, soil temperature and nearby air can down quickly below 0 ° C, causing frost. It is more common in winter and in areas of valleys or depressions, where cold air tends to accumulate.

Frost by month

They occur when a mass of cold and dry air, generally from polar or continental regions, moves over an area. In this case, it does not matter if the sky is cloudy or clear, since the cold comes directly from the mass of air that invades the region. These frosts usually affect large areas and can last several days. They are common during the passage of cold fronts.

Frost by evaporation

This type of frost occurs in very specific conditions, when the rapid evaporation of water on the surface causes intense cooling. During this process, the energy used for evaporation extracts heat from the close environment, which generates sufficient cooling so that the temperature drops below the freezing point.

Frost by air mixture

These frosts arise when a current of cold air descends and mixes with warmer air close to the surface. It usually occurs in mountainous regions or in areas where winds drag cold air towards lower levels, causing generalized cooling that facilitates frost formation.

DIRECT FREEZING FLOSED

This type of frost does not depend so much on the changes in the air temperature, but on that specific objects or surfaces reach temperatures below zero. It can occur in situations where air is close to the freezing point, but certain surfaces lose heat faster, causing water to freeze.

Winter frost

Winter frosts are the most common and occur during the coldest months of the year, usually in the middle of winter. They are usually less harmful to agriculture, since many plants are at vegetative rest or crops have already been collected. However, they can affect infrastructure, pipes and irrigation systems if they are not properly prepared.

Early or autumn frost

These frost occur at the beginning of the cold season, usually in autumn, when temperatures begin to descend but the floor and plants still retain heat of the summer. They are especially dangerous for agriculture, since they can damage crops that are still in the process of maturation.

Late frosts or springs

Late frosts are presented towards the end of the cold season, during spring. Although general temperatures begin to be warmer, nights can still record significant decreases that cause frost. This type of frost is especially harmful because it coincides with the moment when many plants are in full growth, with flowers or young outbreaks that are highly sensitive to cold.

White frosts

This type of frost is characterized by the visible formation of ice crystals on surfaces such as leaves, grass, soils and objects exposed outdoors. They occur when the air contains sufficient humidity and the temperature descends below the freezing point, causing the water vapor to condense and then freezes. Although they are usually less destructive, sensitive plant tissues can damage and cause losses in crops, especially if temperatures remain low by prolonged periods.

Black frosts

Black frosts are not visible to the naked eye, since a layer of ice is not formed on the surfaces. On the other hand, this type of frost occurs when the air is extremely dry and the water in the plants or on the soil surface is freezing directly inside the tissues, causing dehydration and severe damage. The affected plants can show a dark or black color on the leaves and stems due to the death of their tissues, hence the name. This type of frost is especially dangerous for agriculture, since damages are usually irreversible.

In this link we tell you more about the black frost: what is, temperature and consequences.

Frost frost

Frosta frosts are a variant of white frosts, but with the particularity that ice accumulates in the form of a thicker frost.

Frozen dew frog

This type of frost occurs when dew, which is liquid water accumulated during the night on surfaces, freezes due to a sudden decrease in temperature below 0 ° C.

Glazed ice frost

These frosts occur when light rain or drizzle falls on already cold surfaces, which causes water to freeze instantly when it comes into contact with the ground, plants or structures. The result is a layer of smooth and transparent ice known as “glazed ice.”

Frosts have a significant impact on various aspects of human life, nature and economic activities. Let’s see what are the main areas impacted by frost:

• Agriculture and livestock: They are one of the greatest threats to agriculture, since they directly affect crops and, in some cases, they can destroy entire crops. In this post we explain how to protect the plants from frost and cold.
• Impacts on livestock: They can destroy grasslands and limit food availability for cattle. Animals, especially younger or vulnerable, may suffer thermal stress or cold -related diseases if they do not have adequate shelters.
• Ecosystems and Environment: In forests or fragile ecosystems, frost can cause the death of sensitive plants, which affects the structure of the ecosystem. Late frosts can discourage processes such as flowering, pollination or seed development, which impacts food chains.
• Infrastructure and services: Intense frosts can damage urban and rural infrastructure, generating additional risks and costs. Ice or frost surfaces are dangerously slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. Low temperatures can freeze water inside the pipes, causing blockages or even breaks.
• Economy and Society: The economic and social impact of frost depends on their magnitude and duration. The loss of crops and the decrease in animal productivity affects the local and national economy, especially in regions dependent on agriculture. During periods of frost, the demand for heating increases, which increases the costs of electricity or fuels.

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