The Atok Frost is Back, Here’s What You Need to Know.

Just today, the Municipality of Atok experienced a chilly morning that brought frost upon farmer’s crops in Paoay. While frost may look beautiful in photos because of its winter-esque vibe, this phenomenon has its effects on plants. What are the causes of frost, locally known as “andap,” and why does this happen in areas of Benguet like Atok? Here are some insights.

Atok, Benguet is a picturesque municipality located in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines. Known for its cool climate and high-altitude vegetable farms, Atok is a popular destination for tourists and a source of livelihood for many farmers. However, the municipality’s altitude of around 1,700 – 2,700 meters above sea level makes it more susceptible to frost than other low-lying areas. As a farmer or a tourist visiting the area, it is important to understand the causes of frost in Atok and how to mitigate its effects. In this article, we will explore the various causes of frost in Atok and provide tips on how to protect yourself and your crops.

But before we dive into the causes, let’s first understand what frost is. Frost is the formation of thin ice crystals on the surface of a solid, such as soil, plants, or other objects. It occurs when the temperature of the air or surface falls below freezing point (0 °C or 32 °F) and the humidity is high enough to allow for the condensation of water vapor in the form of ice crystals. Frost can damage or kill crops, and it can also make surfaces slippery and dangerous to walk on. There are several types of frost including radiation frost, advection frost, and freeze. Frost can occur on clear, calm nights when the ground cools quickly due to the lack of cloud cover and wind.

The Impact of Altitude on Frost in Atok

The first cause of frost in Atok is the municipality’s altitude. Being situated at a high altitude means that the air is colder and can drop below freezing temperatures more easily. This makes the area more susceptible to frost than other low-lying areas. The higher altitude also means that there is less atmospheric insulation, which allows heat to escape more quickly from the surface of the earth, leading to a rapid cooling of the air and frost. To mitigate the effects of altitude on frost, farmers in Atok can use frost-resistant crops or install windbreaks to protect their crops.

Clear Skies and Cold Winds

Cold winds and Clears Skies at Atok, Benguet

Another cause of frost in Atok is clear skies and cold winds. Clear skies allow heat to escape quickly from the surface of the earth, leading to a rapid cooling of the air. Cold winds can also bring in colder air from the mountains, which can cause the temperature to drop rapidly. To protect against frost caused by clear skies and cold winds, farmers can use plastic covers or blankets to protect their crops, and make sure to keep the soil moist to maintain its insulation properties.

The Northeast Monsoon

The Northeast Monsoon is a seasonal wind pattern that brings in cold and dry air from the northeastern part of Asia. During this time, the wind direction changes from the southwest to the northeast, and it can bring in colder air from the mountains and cause a rapid drop in temperature. This can lead to frost, particularly in areas that are exposed to the wind. To mitigate the effects of the Northeast Monsoon, farmers in Atok can use plastic covers or blankets to protect their crops, and make sure to keep the soil moist to maintain its insulation properties.

Conclusion

Frost in Atok, Benguet can be a major concern for farmers and visitors alike. However, by understanding the causes of frost in Atok, such as the municipality’s altitude, clear skies, wind direction, and the Northeast Monsoon, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our crops. By using frost-resistant crops, installing windbreaks, keeping the soil moist, and dressing warmly, we can minimize the impact of frost in Atok and enjoy the beautiful municipality safely.