Scientists Chase Hail to Uncover Its Secrets
In Levelland, Texas, a team of dedicated researchers is out in the field, chasing storms to collect hail as part of a unique project known as Project ICECHIP. These researchers, undeterred by the risks, hope to reveal important details about storms and the impact of hail on our environment.
With nearly 4,000 hailstones collected, the challenge isn’t just in getting them; it’s figuring out what to do with them after. Researchers are meticulously measuring, weighing, and even crushing these icy balls to understand their properties better.
Victor Gensini, a meteorology professor at Northern Illinois University and one of the leading scientists in this endeavor, explains, “We are trying to learn more about the behavior of hailstones during storms.” The team uses various techniques to analyze the hail, including calipers to measure their sizes and weighing them to derive statistics.
After one of their storm-chasing adventures, the researchers gather in a Walmart parking lot, where the real work begins. They prepare the hailstones for analysis, hoping to find out not only how large they get but also their strength and the factors that influence their formation.
Through their studies, they aim to understand how changes in climate could potentially affect hail characteristics in the future. Current findings indicate that softer hailstones tend to cause less damage, particularly to asphalt roofing, which is a primary concern for homeowners.
Collecting pristine hail is crucial for accurate studies. To achieve this, the team created the SUMHO, a special device that captures hail directly into coolers without contamination. Most of these pristine samples are sent to a laboratory in Colorado, where scientists analyze the layers within the hailstones, similar to how one would examine tree rings.
Beyond just water, researchers have discovered various elements in hail, including bacteria and even microplastics. This additional information provides insights into the quality of our atmosphere and the pollutants present in it.
Student researcher Sam Baron, after tasting the hail, humorously remarked, "It tastes like an ice cube, just like the good ice they serve at restaurants."
As scientists continue to probe the mysteries of hail and storms, their efforts not only enhance our understanding of weather phenomena but also underscore the importance of ongoing research in addressing climate change and its effects on our communities.
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