Scientists Create First-Ever 3-D Model of a Melting Snowflake

This visualization is based on the first three-dimensional numerical model of melting snowflakes in the atmosphere, developed by scientist Jussi Leinonen of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. A better understanding of how snow melts can help scientists recognize the signature in radar signals of heavier, wetter snow -- the kind that breaks power lines and tree limbs -- and could be a step toward improving predictions of this hazard.

The model reproduces key features of melting snowflakes that have been observed in nature: first, meltwater gathers in any concave regions of the snowflake's surface. These liquid-water regions merge as they grow and eventually form a shell of liquid around an ice core, finally developing into a water drop.

The visualization shows a typical snowflake less than half an inch (one centimeter) long. The snowflake is composed of individual ice crystals whose arms became entangled when they collided in the air. The extremities of the arms melt first because they are more exposed to heat from the surrounding air. Water first fills small cavities within the ice crystals, and then these overflow, allowing water to pool into droplets.

"I got interested in modeling melting snow because of the way it affects our observations with remote sensing instruments," Leinonen said. A radar "profile" of the atmosphere from top to bottom shows a very bright, prominent layer at the altitude where falling snow and hail melt, much brighter than the layers above and below. "The reasons for this layer are still not particularly clear, and there has been a bit of debate in the community," Leinonen explained.

Simpler models can reproduce the bright melt layer, but a more detailed model like this one can help scientists to understand it better, particularly how the type of melting snow and the radar wavelengths used to observe it relate to the brightness of the layer.

A paper on the numerical model, titled "Snowflake melting simulation using smoothed particle hydrodynamics," recently appeared in the Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres. Music: Creeping Cauldron by Benjamin James Parsons, Floating on Kisses by Lennert Busch, and Strangely Calm by Brice Davoll Complete transcript available.

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/LK Ward

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[totalbliss]

Almost all the cutting edge technology that serves mankind best is created or done by NASA for a long time now and yet the money they get by the federal government is mere pittance compared to defense and other spending. Ridiculous. We need smarter politicians.

[sega]

I just came here to read the comments.

[JakeHunter]

Snowflakes on a microscope are some of the most beautifully designed objects of nature in the universe. #JakeHunter88

[juancarlosocampo]

in this Planus in the Solar system is on point in the Distances . that Others . Types of grades . in the These Interesantings Study.. fraternal Friends Good Moornings..

[blindbrick]

The bigger the surface area the easier the snowflake melts, I don't see the problem. But I'm just a mechanic so I probably missing the bigger picture.

[RockingZeppelin]

For The First Time in Forever~ They melting in 3D~

[juancarlosocampo]

This is Beuty ..
Explications in the SKYS

[leeandbeahinton]

BUT WE CAN'T GET BACK TO THE BLOODY MOON....

[Derpster]

I was expecting to see some SJW, not an actual snowflake.

[TRSCREAM]

Please don't... we have enough liberals as it is