Metamorphism (bad) is described as which?

• A. Crystals restructure rapidly, increasing strength
• B. Metamorphism causes immediate melt
• C. No metamorphism occurs
• D. Stellar rapidly cools, squares off, grows = weaker snowpack

Answer: (D)

Metamorphism in a snowpack describes how snow crystals change shape and bonding over time under temperature differences and overlying pressure. When these changes favor larger, less interlocked grains or the formation of weak layers (like depth hoar or faceted crystals), the snowpack loses strength. That weakened structure is more prone to failure under load, which is why metamorphism described as leading to a weaker snowpack fits best. The other ideas—immediate melting, rapid strengthening, or no change—don’t align with how metamorphism typically affects stability, since it’s about gradual structural changes that often reduce cohesion rather than instantly melting or fortifying the pack.