Looking at Snowflakes

We haven’t had much snow this year – but there is still time!

Snowflakes have been falling and fluttering to earth for BILLIONS of years. But, as far as we know, no two have ever been exactly the same! Each flake is made up of tiny crystals, and each crystal is a perfect geometric shape. The type of shape depends on the temperature of the air, and the amount of water vapour that is in it. If the crystal is formed very high in the air, where there is not much water vapour, then it will be a simple rod or needle shape. If it is formed nearer to earth, where the air is warmer and there is more water vapour, then it will be a much more interesting shape. As the tiny CRYSTALS fall nearer to earth, they begin to melt slightly in the warmer air, and stick together to make snow FLAKES. Look at a snow flake under a magnifying glass, and you will see all the tiny crystals that have joined together to make it.