cspete

As I have always lived in Northern Minnesota, I have been exposed to a lot of snow. I love snow! I think it is beautiful and meaningful. It makes me think of Christmas and reminds me of my home. I would never want to live in an area where it doesn’t snow.

Even though I love snow so much, I am the first to admit that snow is an opposition. Snow causes problems in many different areas, the first of which is transportation. Whether you walk, drive, or fly, snowy weather makes traveling difficult. However, there are a number of resolutions for the oppositions snow creates on travel.

ADEQUATE RESPONSES: Though traveling by foot in snow is difficult, there have been a number of inventions that can help “get you by.� One example is the snowshoe. The snowshoe was invented thousands of years ago, and can be compared to the way many animals, such as the hare with its large feet, walk on snow. Another example of an adequate response is the ski. Skiing allows for fast travel over snow.

Snowshoes

Skier

ELIMINATE THE OPPOSITION: A second way in which snow is dealt with is to eliminate it. Snow plows eliminate snow from roads and highways to make traveling by vehicle easier. Shovels and snow blowers eliminate snow from sidewalks for walkers.

Another way in which snow causes opposition is in outdoor activity. In the summer, people spend hours outdoors. They play sports, go to the park, have a barbeque, swim at the beach, the list goes on. Snow and cold take away from these activities. The way in which this opposition has been resolved is by

ENVELOPING THE OPPOSITION: Many games and sports have been created that require snow. Some of these activities include ice skating, sliding, snowboarding, and skiing. The snow itself can also become an activity. For example, snow is used to build snowmen, have snowball fights, and make snow forts. Even though snow takes away a lot of activities that are enjoyed in the summer, it creates activities that are just as fun.

A final opposition that snow creates is in construction. Snow and cold can cause damaged roofs, frozen pipes, and heat loss.

PROBABLISTIC RESPONSES: When roofs are built, they are designed not only to hold up the structure, but to hold up additional loads that weather might provide. In areas where snow is heavier, roof structures must be built to carry heavier loads.

A man shoveling his roof

ELIMINATE THE OPPOSITION: To prevent pipes from freezing, they can be covered with electric heat wrap. To keep cold air out, use good insulation. Also, sealants such as caulk or putty can be used to seal up cracks in walls or foundations to prevent heat loss.

CONCLUSION: Although snow causes many oppositions, there are also many resolutions. If we can continue to resolve the problems caused by snow, then I have but one more thing to say:

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW!