Frost is considered the most beautiful natural phenomenon. Its sparkling splendor and filigree patterns captivate us with its perfection, and inspire poets and artists to create beautiful works.
What is frost?
Frost is one of the states of water (vaporous), which, at temperatures below 0°C, transforms into a thin layer of crystalline ice. Each pattern of his is unusual and unique.
This phenomenon is explained by the fact that different values of sub-zero temperatures affect differently the formation of crystals of the ice structure. That's why frosty frost always looks different. When the temperature drops just below zero, the ice crystals are shaped like a hexagonal prism. In moderate frost (down to -15 ° C), they look like rectangular plates. And if the temperature is much lower than -15 ° C, then crystalline ice appears in the form of blunt needles.
Where and how does frost form?
Frost appears on various objects and surfaces when they are cooled to a negative temperature, lower than the air temperature. This happens due to the desublimation of water vapor - this means that it passes into a solid state, bypassing the liquid stage. The layer of frost is quite thin, and the formation process is uneven.
Studying the formation of frost, scientists came to the conclusion that clear nights with little or no wind are most favorable for this. This usually occurs in early spring, late autumn or winter, when the air layer near the ground contains a lot of water vapor.
Under such weather conditions, on various rough surfaces with little thermal conductivity, such as open soil, grass, wooden benches, tree trunks, roofs of houses and others, a sparkling layer is sure to appear. How does frost form on these surfaces? This is due to the fact that water vapor, cooling, turns into small ice crystals. Moreover, the wind of insignificant strength contributes to this process even more, renewing the masses of moist air.
Tree removal - frost or frost?
The frost on the trees is a delightful sight. The view of snow-white sparkling trees and shrubs leaves no one indifferent. Although in fact they are covered not by frost, but by frost. For a simple layman, these two concepts are identical, but scientists strictly separate them. Whilst frost is also formed as a result of desublimation of water vapor, this process only occurs at temperatures below -15°C and in the presence of fog. Moreover, only long thin objects are covered with it, for example, wires, as well as branches of green spaces.
That's why the frost on the trees from a scientific point of viewvision is only their trunks covered with ice crystals. And the snow-white dressing of the branches is frost. Although, if you figure it out, what's the difference, the main thing is that it is very beautiful!
Window glass patterns
Winter fairy tale - this is how we perceive the cold season. What kind of decorations does not use winter. Hoarfrost among them is the most exquisite. And in all its beauty, it manifests itself in patterns on window panes. The air saturated with water vapor is cooled at 0°C and below, as a result of which excess moisture condenses on cold window panes. Frost appears on them in the same way as on other surfaces - water from its vapor state, bypassing the liquid stage, passes into a solid, turning into crystalline ice.
What are the frost patterns?
You must have noticed the quirkiness and originality of the frosty "painting". Nature draws with frost such patterns that are beyond the brush of the most venerable artist. Why does the formation of frost on window glass lead to such masterpieces? The reason is ridiculously simple - bumps, roughness and scratches on the glass itself. After all, it is on them that frost forms in the first place. Arising, ice crystals seem to be strung on top of each other and weave these magical laces. Moreover, the dust that settled on the windows and air currents help them in this.
Among the variety of frost patterns, two types are most common - trichites and dendrites.
Trichites resemble fibers of different lengths and sizes. They form on glass, dotted with small scratches. First, frost appears on them in the form of crystalline stripes. The lower the air temperature becomes, the more fibers begin to move away from this main line, taking on curved shapes.
How is frost formed in the form of dendrites, which are tree-like forms? This process occurs on window panes, the cooling of which began at zero temperature and continued as it lowered. Moreover, the humidity of the air should be increased. First, the glass is covered with a wet film, which accumulates more in its lower part. The "twigs" of the patterns here form quite large, and as they climb the glass, they become shorter and thinner.
Hoarfrost in everyday life
As you know, frost can be found not only in nature. Those who have a refrigerator with an evaporator are familiar with it firsthand. After all, it is frost that causes a violation of heat transfer in the refrigerating chamber itself, as a result of which the unit must be defrosted periodically. How is frost formed in the refrigerator? The reason for this is moisture, on the one hand, evaporating from the products, and on the other, entering the chamber while opening the refrigerator door.
Many amazing and beautiful phenomena created by nature. After all, you must admit, going outside in the early morning in frosty winter weather, you can enjoy the picturesque patterns that are created by frost.
