Graupel

Graupel is a form of precipitation that forms when supercooled water droplets freeze onto falling snowflakes. These ice pellets are typically soft, white, and opaque, resembling tiny, irregular balls of ice or snow. It's often associated with thunderstorms or winter weather events where temperatures are near or below freezing. Graupel's texture is noticeably different from hail, which is harder and more layered, and from snow, which is typically crystalline. The size of graupel can vary, from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter, contributing to its distinctive appearance and impact upon falling. The term originates from the German word "Graupel," meaning "pearl barley" or "groats", referencing its roundish form.

Graupel meaning with examples

• The sudden change in weather brought on a flurry of graupel that quickly covered the ground, making driving conditions treacherous. The tiny, soft ice pellets bounced gently as they fell, sounding like a light tap on the windows of the car, creating a beautiful but precarious winter scene. This unexpected graupel shower was a stark contrast to the clear, cold morning before.
• Hiking in the mountains, we initially encountered a gentle snowfall but quickly transitioned to a period of intense graupel, pelting our faces. The small ice pellets coated our jackets, adding extra weight. The wind whipped the graupel around, creating a miniature blizzard on the higher peaks, and reducing visibility substantially, forcing us to seek shelter to wait it out.
• Meteorologists monitor radar to detect areas where graupel is forming because it can indicate the presence of unstable atmospheric conditions and the potential for heavier precipitation. The formation of graupel suggests there are supercooled water droplets at the freezing level, creating conditions suitable for the rapid growth of ice crystals with impacts on potential flooding.
• Children playing outdoors were delighted by the graupel shower, gleefully collecting the small ice pellets and making pretend snowballs. Their rosy cheeks and the crunching sound of the graupel under their boots painted a scene of winter joy, demonstrating the unexpected appeal of this type of weather which may quickly dissipate as fast as it starts.
• During a research project, samples of graupel were collected to analyze their ice crystal structure and understand the conditions that caused its creation in the higher atmosphere. The examination of graupel can offer crucial data for improving weather models and creating more accurate precipitation forecasts, informing planning processes.