| MadSci Network: Earth Science |
| MadSci Network: Earth Science |
Subject: Why do snow, ice and frost crystals all have different shapes? Message ID Number: 884122571.Es
Good question. The answer has to do with the conditions in which they grow.
Snow crystals grow while moving through the air -- rising on updrafts or falling through clouds. This means that they are free to grow unobstructed by other crystals. Therefore, they develop ornate crystal forms.
Frost crystals, since they grow on a surface, take on a different form. Their form is dictated in part by the nature of the surface and its irregularities. For example, it is easier for new crystals to form on existing crystals, rather than smooth glass, so the pattern on windows is usually linear and branching, known as a dendritic pattern.
Ice crystals, on the other hand, grow in water and so their grow is controlled (hindered) by the presence of the water. The lack of a free space for crystal development results in more random crystal growth and obvious patterns do not appear.
If you have any further questions or need clarifications contact me at:
cdharris@mtsu.edu
Clay Harris Dept. of Geog/Geology Middle TN State University
Try the Earth Science links in the MadSci Library for more information on Earth Science.