Snowflake Chemistry Research

2009-12-09

Purdue analytical chemisty graduate student Travis Knepp is growing snowflakes in order to better understand the physical structure of snow crystals, how they grow, and why they take a certain shape. By understanding the chemistry that occurs on the flake surface, Purdue scientist are learning more about the reactions that regularly take place on the snow's surface.

Knepp's quasi-liquid snow crystal research is guided by analytical chemistry professor and department head Paul Shepson. His group is involved with several research projects in the Arctic studying ground-level ozone in the atmosphere.

Source: Purdue University News Service

Related links:
Research abstract
Shepson Research Group

Related video:
Arctic Ozone Buoy

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