There are several Spanish provinces that are threatened by the storm that has arrived in our country in the last hours, with snow forecast and low temperatures in many areas, according to the index Meteorology Statal Agency (Aemet). For this reason, the Autonomous Communities affected have hands to work in order to prevent greater evils, a forecast that Filomena proved to be essential.
Are 400 snow plowsIn addition to the many salt dispensers, which have been mobilized for use at home, it is necessary to remove ice or snow deposited on the roads. Salt is the most useful ‘tool’ in these cases because it is the one that best melts both snow and ice.
How does the water-salt solution work?
This is because when a substance dissolves in water, its melting point drops. That is to say, water freezes at 0ºC, but when salt is added, a solution is formed, which has a freezing point lower than 0ºC. Depending on the amount of salt that is added, it can go as low as -21ºC, a temperature that is very difficult to see in Spain.
The salt, being hotter than ice, causes it to melt and is transformed into that solvent. This dissolution will turn to ice at -6ºC with only 10% salt. Therefore, the greater the amount of salt in the solution, the colder it will be necessary for the water to freeze. Thus, even if the temperature reaches very low temperatures, the roads will not freeze, but they will be filled with water.
Nevertheless, with an ambient temperature below -8ºC, it will hardly melt. This is because the salt will not be able to mix with the ice or snow because it is too solid. There needs to be a minimum of water above that layer for it to begin to thaw. In any case, it is advisable to check the weather forecast before traveling during these days, as well as attend to road incidents reported by the DGT, and carry chains or winter tires in the car.
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