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Next > 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. |
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