Metamorphism (good) describes which outcome for snowpack strength?

• A. Crystals restructure rapidly, creating a weaker snowpack
• B. No metamorphism occurs
• C. Stellar breaks down, melts, bonds w other crystals slowly = stronger snowpack
• D. Ice crystals fracture easily, reducing strength

Answer: (C)

Metamorphism in snowpack is about how ice grains recrystallize and bond under changing temperature and pressure. When metamorphism occurs in a way that promotes slow, gradual bonding—tiny bits of melting at contact points can refreeze and strengthen connections between crystals—the overall cohesion and shear strength of the snowpack increase. In other words, the snowpack becomes harder to shear because the crystals are more tightly bonded after this process. This is why metamorphism can lead to a stronger snowpack: the internal bonds form more solidly as grains reorganize and sinter, even though the exact grain shapes may be changing. The other scenarios describe situations where the structure weakens or stays the same: rapid restructuring can produce weak, poorly bonded grains; no metamorphism means no change from the initial structure; and fracture-prone crystals indicate reduced strength.