[thechat] Re: the driest spot in the world

[Judah McAuley]

From: "Luther, Ron" <Ron.Luther at hp.com>
>
> | Hi Iris,
> |
> | Having lived further up north than I currently do ...
> | I don't think this is correct.  The outside temperature
> | is often below zero when it's snowing - sometimes quite
> | a bit below zero.   ;-)

Quick google brings up:

Can it be too cold to snow?
http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/222/

Basic summary:

There needs to be air lifting for snow to occur.  In places like Antarctica,
there isn't enough temperature variation for air lifting to occur.  The
moisture capacity of air also decreases as it gets colder.  So without alot
of moisture nearby (onshore flow off the ocean) and temperature variation at
different atmosphere levels, it makes it hard to snow when its really really
cold.

Judah