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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JANUARY 2021 15 There are many varied shapes and styles in the growth of a snowflake from its originating ice crystal as it moves through a cloud. The development and growth are a function of temperature and, to a lesser extent, humidity. Because almost infinitesimal changes in temperature and humidity govern how the snowflake grows, there are literally an infinite number of possible combinations of snowflake patterns. Within a cloud, even though two growing snowflakes may be only millimeters apart, the micro-differences in temperature and humidity between two adjacent snowflakes are sufficient to cause differing snowflake growth patterns. Growth occurs as water vapor freezes onto the hexagonal segments of the original ice crystal. Scientists have separated snowflake patterns into more than 40 categories. Three of the most common types of snowflakes are as follows: Simple prisms. These are among the smallest of ice crystals and not visible to the naked eye. They are the first stage of an ice crystal's growth, and each of the six points can grow branches and take on other shapes, such as #8. Stellar plates. Stellar plates are flat snow crystals with six arms extending from a hexagonal center. Generally, these crystals form when the temperature is near 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Examples are #5 and #7. Needles. Needles, such as #1, are thin, small crystals which look, not surprisingly, like needles. It starts out as a long, flat crystal, but these snowflakes become three dimensional needles as the temperature drops within the cloud. Now back to the original statement about "no two snowflakes are ever alike." It is estimated that an incredible one septillion snowflakes fall over the United States each year. (Septillion is the number 1 with 24 zeroes after it!) Yet scientists believe that it is unlikely that any two snowflakes are alike because of the infinite number of possible snowflake designs. The basic ice crystals are likely repetitive, but the growth into full snowflakes is likely unique for every one that falls to the ground. Nature is truly a wonderment to behold! 5 7 6 8