Modeling falling and accumulating snow

Abstract

The use of computer graphics to produce special effects is currently be ing applied with great results in especially the entertainment and game industry. One area where computer graphic s is not quite ready to replace all real effects is natural phenomena where a lack of general models exists. Inthis work we present a general model for falling and accumulating snow. The appearance and movement of falling snow are modeled in 3D based on the physics governing the real processes. The same goes for the accu mulated snow where especially a correctly modeled wind field is important for producing realistically looking results. Intu itive weather parameters are used to control both models. The results show that both the appearance and mo vement of the snow, as well as the accumulated snow are very similar to real snow.