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Snowcrystal P2a (2011.2.d2)

Posted by Edward Berke,
North Country explorer from Bow, New Hampshire
February 28, 2011

This snowcrystal 2011.2.d2 was collected on 28FEB11. Using Magano and Lee (1966), this snowflake is classified as P2a, which is defined as a stellar crystal with plates at ends. The growth of this snowcrystal (and its resultant morphology) was controlled by weather conditions during its decent in the atmosphere. The following atmospheric conditions are recorded by this snowcrystal: a) transistional thermal limits of -15 to -11 C, b) humidity conditions in the lowest section of the water saturated and cloud droplet region and c) the stellar crystalline structure with plated ends. Basically, this snowcrystal records the chaotic series of events from deposition of water vapor on a nucleus (e.g., dust particle) to collection. It will only form inside a slim margin of both atmospheric temperature and saturated humidity conditions.

Comments

Erika Barthelmess

Very cool.  I'm enjoying all of these snow crystal pics.  Thanks for sharing!
 

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