Formation of snow crystals in the mountains and in the laboratory in Japan

TitleFormation of snow crystals in the mountains and in the laboratory in Japan
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Conference1940
AuthorsNakaya, U.
Conference Name8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Series TitleProceedings of the 8th Annual Western Interstate Snow Survey Conference
Date PublishedJanuary 1940
PublisherAmerican Geophysical Union, Transactions, Part I-B:
Conference LocationStanford, California
KeywordsSnow crystals
Abstract

Snow flake crystallization is studied and classified with respect to the climatology of the various zones of the atmosphere through which they pass in reaching the earth’s surface. The procedures used in handling these fragile crystals are described. Temperature, water vapor and atmospheric conditions create different crystal types. A duplication of natures process is constructed in the laboratory in northern Japan where natural and synthetic crystals are photographed. By a study of snow crystals the character of the upper air can be predicted. A time lapse picture showing in color, the process of snow crystal formation, was shown in beautiful color by microphotography.