Question about gravity, water and snow

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparative safety of falling from a mountain onto two different surfaces: a large pile of powder snow versus water. Participants explore the implications of impact dynamics and survival scenarios, considering various factors that could influence the outcome.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that falling onto snow might hurt less due to its ability to compress and trap air, potentially providing a softer landing compared to water.
  • Others argue that the nature of the fall (e.g., height, orientation, and control over body position) significantly affects the impact experience and injury risk.
  • One participant highlights that water's incompressibility could lead to severe acceleration during impact, raising concerns about injury and the risk of drowning if unconscious after the fall.
  • There are references to recorded cases of survival from high falls, noting that these often involve landing on snow or similar materials, rather than water.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the safety of landing on snow versus water, with no consensus reached on which surface would result in less harm. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note several unstated assumptions, including the height of the fall, the method of descent, and the presence of safety equipment, which may influence the outcomes discussed.

Rafael toledo
Suppose I fell from a mountain, which would hurt less:

A) Falling on a very huge pile of powder snow or
B) Falling on water

It's a serious questions! Thanks!
 
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Hi Rafael. I'm guessing that A would hurt less because snow (at least certain types of snow) typically has air trapped in it and is able to be compressed. It also doesn't present a sudden, drastic change in density like moving from air to water does. But that's mostly a guess on my part.
 
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Hi Rafael:

I believe the answer depends on some unstated assumptions. The following are some examples.

What do you mean by "fall off a mountain"? Is your fall off a cliff through the air, or are you sliding down a steep slope of the mountain? How high is the mountain, or more relevant, how far vertically do you fall? Can you control your orientation so that you fall with your body horizontal until you are near the water/snow (to minimize your velocity when you hit the water/snow), and then reorient your body so you enter the water/snow feet first with slightly bent knees (to minimize injuries)? What are you wearing? Assuming the fall itself does not cause serious injuries, you will likely end up deep in the water/snow, so what will you do to avoid drowning/suffocating in the water/snow? Perhaps you have a breathing device and an air supply with you. In that case, if you are in water, then perhaps you can swim to the surface and survive. If you are in snow, how will you get to the surface before your air supply is exhausted or you freeze to death?

Good luck with your story.

Regards,
Buzz
 
Rafael toledo said:
Suppose I fell from a mountain, which would hurt less:

A) Falling on a very huge pile of powder snow or
B) Falling on water

It's a serious questions! Thanks!
The recorded cases of people surviving falls from very great heights (a mile or more) generally involve snow, trees, glass ceilings or something similar to cushion the impact. None of those cases involve landing in water.

The problem with landing in water is two-fold. First, water is largely incompressible. A high speed impact will involve very large accelerations. Second, after the impact renders you unconscious, water can drown you.

The recorded cases of survival have typically involved a witnessed fall with prompt aid rendered.
 
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