Snowflake Shape Predictability
If you
live or spend a lot of time where snow is commonplace, you have probably
noticed that not all snow is the same. If you also suspected that temperature
seemed to have some bearing on its texture, you were correct. Research
has determined that snowflakes - crystals, actually - that form in temperatures
between 27° F and 32° F, and between -13° F and 18° F are shaped like
hexagonal plates. Those that form at and a little above 32° F are shaped
like needles and columns. Familiar 6-armed snowflakes (technically called
dendrites) form at temperatures between 3° F and 10° F. The formation
temperature ranges are amazingly consistent, even in the presence of
contaminants.
|