You know, if you live in Crete or visit regularly, especially in the early season, that it is not unusual to see signs of the remaining winter snow on the mountain tops, up until May or even June sometimes.
You perhaps saw the impressive photograph which had been taken from 140 kilometers away in Santorini recently –
something made possible, by the exceptionally clear atmospheric conditions – of the magnificent snow covered peaks of Crete’s Psiloritis mountain.
And now, after pictures have circulated on social media, showing the impressive phenomenon, of up to five metres of snow, refusing to melt on the road upto the Skinaka Observatory, which is operated by the University of Crete, in the same mountain range, people are starting to ask how this is possible, bearing in mind, that the average temperature at sea-level has now increased considerably.
In n article on the subject, on the Greek website “Time Machine” – “Η Μηχανή του Χρόνου”, experts explained that in this particular position on the mountain, with the combined factors of altitude and air currents that gather in the area, create climatic conditions which don’t allow the snow to melt.
A phenomenom which you could also experience, should you choose to visit the Observatory, which has just announced dates that it will be open to the public this year.
http://skinakas.physics.uoc.gr/en/index.html
The following video shows drone footage from the area, which makes Psiloritis look a little like Antarctica:
