Researchers from London specializing in nanotechnology have recently discovered one-dimensional ice chains that may be able to produce artificial rain. What is really interesting about these structures is that they are pentagonal, not the conventional hexagonal shape. Scientists used to believe that hexagons were the only shape that ice could form in; this is seen in structures such as snowflakes. Now, with this evidence of ice with a pentagonal pattern, scientists specializing in artificial rain research now can focus on other geometric patterns in their research besides the hexagonal pattern. Dr. Javier Carrasco said "We need to understand the structure of ice crystals in the upper atmosphere because they play an important role in the formation of clouds and precipitation." Basically we need to continue this research of nanoparticles in ice to form clouds that can produce rain. Characterizing ice at a nanoscale level is a far more challenging process than it sounds to be. You have to have a completely flat piece of metal (they are using copper), and you have to have the right conditions for the specific ice.
This discovery has the potential to have one of the biggest impacts on Earth in recent history. Once you take a look at some of the drought trouble we have had recently it is obvious that the whole world would benefit from this scientific breakthrough. Poor families in Africa will finally stop dying from dehydration and starvation. I know I would have preferred some rain a couple years ago when I had a restricted amount of time I was allowed to be in the shower. Even if you look at this from an energy stand point, this discovery has benefits. When these scientists link up with some meteorologists, we could possibly put rain in areas where hydroelectric power is produced. These are the ways that this discovery of pentagonal ice crystals can change mine, and everyone else's life.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090308142251.htm
"It's Raining Pentagons? Novel Ice Structure May Help Seed Clouds And Cause Rain." Science Daily. 8 Mar. 2009. 8 Mar. 2009 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090308142251.htm.
This discovery has the potential to have one of the biggest impacts on Earth in recent history. Once you take a look at some of the drought trouble we have had recently it is obvious that the whole world would benefit from this scientific breakthrough. Poor families in Africa will finally stop dying from dehydration and starvation. I know I would have preferred some rain a couple years ago when I had a restricted amount of time I was allowed to be in the shower. Even if you look at this from an energy stand point, this discovery has benefits. When these scientists link up with some meteorologists, we could possibly put rain in areas where hydroelectric power is produced. These are the ways that this discovery of pentagonal ice crystals can change mine, and everyone else's life.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090308142251.htm
"It's Raining Pentagons? Novel Ice Structure May Help Seed Clouds And Cause Rain." Science Daily. 8 Mar. 2009. 8 Mar. 2009 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090308142251.htm
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