Photos reveal the secrets of snowflakes' shapes

[The Straight Story]

Photos reveal the secrets of snowflakes' shapes



Did you know that snowflakes grow? They all start as a hexagonal crystal of ice and then spread out, forming delicate arms and enchantingly intricate patterns.

It's long been known that different temperatures influence the patterns of ice crystal growth. Near -2 °C, they grow into small, flat discs. At -5 °C, they form slender columns and needles. Near -15 °C, the thinnest, largest flakes, like the one pictured, emerge. At temperatures below -30 °C, they make columns once again.

So what makes snowflakes like this one grow so large and flat? Caltech physicist Kenneth Libbrecht found instability in their growth that leads to what he calls a "sharpening effect".

As the snow crystal develops at -15 °C, a small ridge builds up at the edge and then spreads out toward the moist air in a sharp blade. Because the corners of the hexagon stick out farther than the centre, they collect moisture and grow faster.

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/12/photos-reveal-the-secrets-of-s.html

[napoleon_in_rags]

1. Ah, the Universe...

That picture posted is just amazing. There's something about seeing the manifestations of the hard science behind the universe that really feels more divine to me than anything in any church.

[Tx4obama]

2. K&R :) n/t

[Dragonbreathp9d]

3. Waiting for Fire Walk With Me to post- lol- awesome- thanks!