Back

  Hexagonal plate with sectorlike extensions and secondary growth. 40X Magnified.

Magnification in the electron microscope is accomplished through the use of magnetic lenses concentrating the scanned electron beam on a smaller area of the sample. Identical snow crystal magnified 80X.

Micrograph of a single sectorlike extension on one arm of the snow crystal magnified 160X.

Stereo view of c-plane secondary crystal growth on the surface of a snow crystal at 1,000X.


Stereo micrographs of a snow crystal having a hexagonal plate with sectorlike extensions 100X.

Snow crystal with broad banches and central hole, probable site of the initial ice crystal nucleus. 100X.

Snowflake consisting of a radiating assemblage of hexagonal plates. The type of snow crystal that forms depends on temperature and humidity as well as conditions experienced during their descent through the atmosphere. 100X.

Stereo micrographs of an irregular snow crystal. Most crystals are not perfectly symmetrical unless weather conditions are very calm during their formation. 100X.