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Snow: Microscopic Ice Crystals in the Atmosphere

Snow forms when minute water droplets in clouds (H₂O in liquid form) freeze into structured ice crystals. These crystals exhibit sixfold symmetry, a result of the molecular structure of water, where hydrogen bonds arrange themselves at precise angles during freezing. These ice crystals grow larger by accumulating surrounding water vapor in a process called sublimation, where water transitions directly from gas to solid without passing through the liquid phase.

The formation of snowflakes is optimal at temperatures between -12 °C and -18 °C, as these conditions provide the right balance of atmospheric moisture. If the air is too dry, there is insufficient water vapor for the crystals to grow. Conversely, excessive moisture causes snowflakes to clump into wet, heavy masses.

The distinctive hexagonal geometry of snowflakes arises from the way H₂O molecules bond at a 60-degree angle. Despite this symmetry, no two snowflakes are identical. Variations in atmospheric temperature and humidity during their descent cause slight differences in the arrangement of molecules, creating infinite diversity among snowflakes.

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