Earth ID: 4630

Falling Snowflakes Melting Simulation

Visualizations by Alex Kekesi Released on March 29, 2018

These simulated melting snowflakes were based on a smoothed particle hydrodynamics model. Scientists are interested in understanding the microphysics of such events to help improve remote sensing of melting layer precipitation.

Print resolution image of a cluster of tumbling snowflakes as water droplets begin to form on their tips.

Print resolution image of a tumbling snowflake cluster as more of the frozen snowflake structure liquifies.

Print resolution image of the water droplets almost completely formed, with only a few remaining frozen structures left.

Alternate Version

Visualization Credits

Alex Kekesi (GST): Lead Visualizer
Jussi Leinonen (JPL): Lead Scientist
Carol Rasmussen (NASA/JPL CalTech): Lead Writer
LK Ward (USRA): Lead Producer
Samson K. Reiny (Wyle Information Systems): Lead Producer
Walt Feimer (KBRwyle): Animator
Greg Shirah (NASA/GSFC): Visualizer
Laurence Schuler (ADNET): Technical Support
Ian Jones (ADNET): Technical Support

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Science Paper:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2017JD027909/full

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4630

Data Used:

also referred to as: Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Model Method

Model - NASA/JPL

Model used to simulate melting snowflakes.

Credit:
NASA/JPL

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Keywords:
DLESE >> Atmospheric science
DLESE >> Cryology
SVS >> Raindrop
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Cryosphere >> Snow/Ice
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Atmosphere >> Precipitation >> Rain
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Atmosphere >> Precipitation >> Snow
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Hydrosphere >> Snow/Ice >> Snow Melt
SVS >> Hyperwall
NASA Science >> Earth
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Terrestrial Hydrosphere >> Snow/ice >> Snow/ice Chemistry

GCMD keywords can be found on the Internet with the following citation: Olsen, L.M., G. Major, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, S. Ritz, T. Stevens, M. Morahan, A. Aleman, R. Vogel, S. Leicester, H. Weir, M. Meaux, S. Grebas, C.Solomon, M. Holland, T. Northcutt, R. A. Restrepo, R. Bilodeau, 2013. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 8.0.0.0.0