To understand the maximum size reached by snowflakes you need to differentiate them from snow crystals: science studies ice more than you think
Did you know that the largest snowflake ever recorded in nature was the size of a large pizza? One Snowflake, however, may not be what you’re imagining. They are practically any pile of ice falling from a cloud cold regions of the planet where it snows, while the characteristic figure used in Christmas images and depictions of winter is actually a snow crystal.
Both icy formations have their curious histories and even dedicated studies. Kenneth Libbrecht, for example, is a scientist who has dedicated his entire career to researching snow crystals, discovering that differences in fractal structures arise from temperature differences during their formation. This is one of the reasons why in nature two snow crystals cannot be the same, although it is possible to generate twin crystals in the laboratory.
Snowflake or snow crystal?
Snow crystals – which are popularly, but erroneously, called snowflakes – are individual ice crystals formed when water molecules align in hexagonal patterns (with six points), with the symmetry we already know, and must pass from the gaseous state to the solid state. without passing through the liquid (resublimation). Snowflakes can range from single snow crystals to thousands of clustered and stuck together snowflakes, falling together from the clouds.
According to Guinness World Records, the largest flakes ever seen fell on the night of January 27, 1887, when American farmer Matt Coleman saw what he described as “flakes as big as a quart of milk”, objects up to 38cm wide and 20cm wide. cm. Often. According to the rule, what the subject saw were clusters of snow crystals.
Individual ice crystals are difficult to reach such impressive sizes. They are fragile and need to grow quickly, but the presence of high winds in the sky is enough to break them. There are rarely weather conditions that allow them to grow much, according to Libbrecht on the website Science live.
Personally, the scientist reports that the largest crystal he has ever seen was 10 mm in diameter, about the size of a coin. According to industry experts I spoke to, this is more or less the maximum size they can reach, even in the laboratory.
There are those who love crystals so much that, during snowy periods, they go outdoors to do “snow crystal observation”, that is, identify every crystalline structure found in nature. Libbrecht also created some tips for those who want to improve this activity:
- Wear dark clothing, especially on the sleeve: a well-contrasted background is needed to see the crystals better;
- Use a magnifying glass: preferably one that magnifies the image at least 5x;
- Learn about the types of snow crystals: There are “field guides” for each different type of crystal formation, prepared by scientists like Libbrecht, who also posts photos, videos and commentary on the formations on your website (in English).
Source: Guinness World Record, IFLScience, Science live
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
