Ice
Articles tagged with Ice
Scientists seek to understand effects of rain falling on snow in the Arctic
Are icebergs less prone to melting in clusters?
Researchers studied how meltwater from one iceberg impacts its neighbor's melting rate. They found that the gap between icebergs determines their final shape and melt rate., Iceberg clusters may be less prone to melting than isolated icebergs due to the protective effect of meltwater.
Glacial lakes are growing rapidly in Alaska, and research shows where growth will continue
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
Accurately predicting Arctic sea ice in real time
Researchers from the US and UK have created a method to predict September Arctic sea ice extent with high accuracy, improving monitoring of sea ice health and its impact on global climate. The model captures effects from subseasonal to seasonal timescales and outperforms other models.
Mineral dust accelerating melting of Greenland ice sheet
A University of Waterloo scientist and international collaborators found that airborne mineral dust promotes algae growth on the Greenland ice sheet, exacerbating melting. The study reveals that phosphorus in the dust fuels the growth of pigmented glacier algae.
World enters “era of global water bankruptcy”; UN scientists formally define new post-crisis reality for billions
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
Ice, ice, maybe: There’s always a thin layer of water on ice — or is there?
A recent study has reconciled the debate over the existence and thickness of a microscopically thin liquid layer, known as premelting film, on ice surfaces. The research suggests that this layer is restricted to a limited thickness near the equilibrium point due to water's unusual density properties.
Greenland shrinks slightly and is slowly drifting northwest
New research reveals Greenland is shrinking slightly, but expanding in some regions, due to accelerated melting and prehistoric ice mass movements. The island's horizontal movements are being pulled in different directions, with areas of expansion and contraction observed.
A 'Rosetta Stone' for molecular systems
A new mathematical framework, STIV, can predict larger-scale effects like proteins unfolding and crystals forming without costly simulations or experiments. The framework solves a 40-year-old problem in phase-field modeling, allowing for the design of smarter medicines and materials.
Why we slip on ice: Physicists challenge centuries-old assumptions
Researchers at Saarland University discovered that molecular dipoles in ice and shoe soles interact to create a disordered, amorphous structure on the ice surface. This interaction causes the ice to become slippery, leading to slips and falls, rather than pressure or friction.
Sea-level projections from the 1990s were spot on, Tulane study says
A new study published in Earth's Future journal reveals that sea-level projections from the 1990s were remarkably accurate, with global sea-level rise averaging about one eighth of an inch per year. The researchers compared these projections with recent satellite measurements and found a remarkable match.
USGS measures glacial flooding in Juneau, Alaska
Glacier-caused flooding is an annual threat in Juneau, with record-breaking floods over the past two years impacting hundreds of homes. The USGS provides real-time monitoring data to help emergency managers make informed decisions about evacuations and road closures.
Researchers mimic a mystery of nature to make ice move on its own
Scientists at Virginia Tech mimic the natural movement of boulders on Racetrack Playa by creating a metal surface with asymmetric grooves that propel melting ice. The discovery has potential applications in rapid defrosting and energy harvesting.
Do you want to freeze a cloud? Desert dust might help
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that mineral dust particles can trigger freezing of cloud droplets, particularly important in northern regions where clouds form below freezing temperatures. This process affects sunlight reflection and precipitation generation, with major implications for climate models.
‘Space ice’ is less like water than we thought
Researchers investigated low-density amorphous ice and found it was not fully disordered but contained tiny crystals. This discovery challenges the assumption that space ice is similar to liquid water and has implications for theories like Panspermia.
Message in a bubble: using physics to encode messages in ice
Scientists developed a method to store short messages in frozen ice by manipulating bubble size and distribution. Binary coding proved more effective than Morse code for longer messages, with potential applications beyond messaging, such as improving metal smelting and manufacturing processes.
Creating ice layer by layer: the secret mechanisms of ice formation revealed
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, used molecular-scale simulations to understand ice formation. They found that the arrangement of water molecules in the two layers closest to the surface is crucial for nucleation, promoting a low-dimensional hexagonal crystal lattice at the surface.
SwRI scientists contribute to uncovering ongoing surface modification on Jupiter’s moon Europa
New data from the James Webb Space Telescope suggests that Europa's icy surface is constantly changing due to interactions with charged particles. Laboratory experiments also found evidence of crystalline ice beneath the amorphous ice layer, indicating a possible liquid ocean beneath the surface.
Innovative approaches advance search for ice on the moon
Scientists have developed two new methods to detect water ice on the lunar surface, with one approach analyzing images from a specialized camera and another detecting buried ice deposits through cosmic rays. The research aims to support future lunar bases and provide resources for humans or be broken down to hydrogen and oxygen.
A little bit of space on Earth
Researchers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, have identified unusual phosphorus molecules in space. These molecules, including phosphabutadiyne and vinylphosphaethyne, were studied using cryogenic techniques and infrared spectroscopy, providing new insights into their formation and properties.
How to freeze bottles without making a mess
Researchers discovered that trapped pockets of liquid can form inside ice, leading to extreme pressure that breaks glass. To prevent this, ensure water freezes slowly by supercooling or use containers with water-repelling surfaces.
Planetary science: More potential locations for ice on Moon
Scientists found large variations in surface temperatures, suggesting ice may be present near the lunar poles. A new model indicates areas with greater than 14° slope angle could be cool enough for ice to accumulate close to the surface.
Exotic observations with neutrons at the ILL
The study reveals three distinct phases: liquid, solid, and plastic ice, with the latter exhibiting picosecond rotational motion. The implementation of state-of-the-art spectrometers and sample environments enabled the first experimental observation of plastic ice VII at high temperatures and pressures.
Ice streams move due to tiny ice quakes
Researchers at ETH Zurich discovered tiny ice quakes deep inside ice streams, explaining the discrepancy between simulations and satellite measurements. The findings impact sea-level rise estimates and may reveal fault planes in ice cores, providing a better understanding of ice stream deformation.
Neutrons bridge predictions and reality of quantum spin ice
The study found clear evidence for a quantum spin ice state in the material Ce2Sn2O7, with the experimental data well described by recent theoretical models. The findings may inspire technology for quantum computers and pave the way towards future unifications of theory and experiments.
Discovery of water droplet freezing steps bridges atmospheric science, climate solutions
Researchers at University of Hawaii at Manoa shed light on the transformation of supercooled water into ice, mimicking Earth's atmosphere conditions. The study provides valuable insights into cloud formation and precipitation, tying into a $26 million project to develop sustainable refrigerant technologies.
Walk like a … gecko? Animal footpads inspire a polymer that sticks to ice
A new polymer developed using gecko-inspired technology can stick to icy surfaces, reducing the risk of slips and falls. The material is designed for use in shoe soles and has potential applications in medical innovations such as electronic skin.
Bad hair bears! Greasy hair gives polar bears fur with anti-icing properties
A team of scientists discovered polar bear sebum's anti-icing properties, making it harder for ice to stick. The study sheds light on polar bear ecology and may lead to sustainable anti-ice surface coatings.
Mizzou scientists harness the power of ‘layered’ crystals for energy innovation
Researchers are exploring halide perovskites, a material that converts sunlight into energy efficiently. The team created distinct properties using ultra-cool methods, enabling mass production of solar cells.
Researchers use lab data to rewrite equation for deformation, flow of watery glacier ice
Researchers at Iowa State University have rewritten the equation for deformation and flow of watery glacier ice, which could lead to more accurate models predicting sea-level rise. The new value of the stress exponent 'n' is 1.0, indicating a linear relationship between stress and deformation speed.
Ice patches on Beartooth Plateau reveal how ancient landscape differed from today’s
Scientists studied ancient whitebark pine forest on Beartooth Plateau, finding the tree line was 600 feet higher during a moderate climate period. The discovery sheds light on how dynamic ecosystems respond to temperature warming and offers insights into future changes for alpine environments.
Lake ice becoming increasingly unsafe at start and end of winter, raising risk of drowning
Research by York University indicates that lake ice conditions are changing, with warmer temperatures increasing the formation of white ice, which is more prone to collapse. This poses a significant risk of accidents and drownings, particularly at the start and end of the winter season.
Farewell frost! New surface prevents frost without heat
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new surface that prevents 100% of frost formation on flat areas for up to 160 hours. The hybrid surface combines a textured macrotexture with a thin layer of graphene oxide, offering a promising solution for various applications.
Loss of lake ice has wide-ranging environmental and societal consequences
The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.
Researchers link El Niño to accelerated ice loss in tropics
Researchers have confirmed that El Niño causes a drastic reduction in the snow-covered area of the Quelccaya Ice Cap in the Peruvian Andes. The study used NASA Landsat satellites to measure the ice cap's sensitivity to climate shifts, finding that it lost about 58% of its snow cover between 1985 and 2022.
Lake ice quality degrading as planet warms – skaters, hockey players, ice truckers on thin ice
A new study from York University finds that lake ice quality is deteriorating due to climate change, making it unstable and unsafe for humans. The researchers warn of the dangers of thin layers of black ice and white ice combinations, which can lead to accidents and even fatalities.
New discovery about ice layer formation in ice sheets can improve sea level rise predictions
Researchers have found a new mechanism for the formation of impermeable horizontal ice layers below the surface of ice sheets, which could improve estimates of sea level rise. This process is critical for determining the contribution of ice sheet meltwater to sea level rise.
Study finds highest prediction of sea-level rise unlikely
A new study led by Dartmouth researchers questions the rapid polar ice collapse model used in the IPCC's sixth assessment report. The team found that the expected rate of retreat is significantly lower than predicted, making the worst-case scenario less likely, but still dire due to ongoing ice loss from Greenland and Antarctica.
Scottish and Irish rocks confirmed as rare record of ‘snowball Earth’
A rock formation spanning Ireland and Scotland has been confirmed as a rare record of the 'snowball Earth' period, when the globe was covered in ice. The Port Askaig Formation, composed of layers up to 1.1km thick, dates back to 662-720 million years ago during the Sturtian glaciation.
Nanohertz gravitational waves are cool but not supercool
A new study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that nanohertz gravitational waves may not originate from supercool first-order phase transitions. Researchers found that such transitions would struggle to complete, shifting the frequency of the waves away from nanohertz frequencies.
Getting trapped in freshwater ice changes microplastics’ sink-or-swim tendencies
Research published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology found that freezing can alter microplastics' sink-or-swim tendencies, with some polymers becoming larger and more buoyant after thawing. This could accelerate the accumulation of microplastics in freshwater lake or river sediments.
Alaskan land eroding faster due to climate change
A recent study by UT Arlington scientist Nathan D. Brown shows Alaskan land is eroding faster than it can be replaced due to climate change. The team mapped and dated floodplain deposits, determining permafrost extent, to model how permafrost formation varies with air temperature.
How the rising earth in Antarctica will impact future sea level rise
A new study suggests that the rising earth in Antarctica will impact future sea level rise, depending on how much global warming is controlled. If humans lower greenhouse gas emissions, upward shifts in solid earth could reduce Antarctica's contribution to sea level rise by about 40%, bolstering best-case scenarios for global sea level...
A rare form of ice at the center of a cool new discovery about how water droplets freeze
Scientists from Japan have discovered a new type of ice, known as ice 0, which can cause water droplets to freeze near their surface rather than at their core. This discovery resolves a debate about the formation of ice and has significant implications for climate studies and food sciences.
Understanding the 3D ice-printing process to create micro-scale structures
Professors Philip LeDuc and Burak Ozdoganlar have developed a novel 3D ice printing technique that enables the creation of micro-scale structures with tailored geometries. Their method uses water as an ink substitute, allowing for the deposition of precise internal voids and channels.
It takes a cool microscope and antifreeze to really look at ice
Scientists directly observe the precise shape of ice at its interface with liquid for the first time, revealing a flat surface with occasional steps. They also found that the ice is harder than previously estimated, using antifreeze and advanced microscopy.
The dawn of the Antarctic ice sheets
The Antarctic ice sheet formed around 34 million years ago in the eastern region of the continent, rather than the entire continent as previously thought. The study reveals that different regions of the ice sheet react differently to external influences and climatic changes.
Shrinking glaciers: Microscopic fungi enhance soil carbon storage in new landscapes created by shrinking Arctic glaciers
In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that microscopic fungi play a key role in enhancing soil carbon storage in newly formed landscapes created by shrinking Arctic glaciers. The team discovered diverse communities of microbes thriving in the barren soils, and pioneer fungi sequester carbon in the soil.
New research finds lake under Mars ice cap unlikely
Researchers at Cornell University found that small variations in layers of water ice can cause constructive interference between radar waves, producing bright reflections. This explanation accounts for the observed signals without requiring liquid water, casting doubt on potential microbial life on Mars.
Frozen? Let it melt with efficient new deicer friendly to the environment
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a machine learning-based deicer that offers higher performance while minimizing environmental harm. The new mixture of propylene glycol and sodium formate solution shows improved ice penetration capacity, reducing the need for substance use.
Local bright spot among melting glaciers: 2000 km of Antarctic ice-covered coastline has been stable for 85 years
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have tracked the evolution of glaciers in East Antarctica using hundreds of old aerial photographs dating back to 1937. The study reveals that the ice has remained stable and grown slightly over almost a century, partly due to increasing snowfall.
Scientists discover CO2 and CO ices in outskirts of solar system
A research team led by UCF's Mário Nascimento De Prá and Noemí Pinilla-Alonso discovered carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide ices on 59 trans-Neptunian objects using the James Webb Space Telescope. The findings suggest that carbon dioxide was abundant in the protoplanetary disk, while the origin of carbon monoxide remains uncertain.
Peering into Pluto’s ocean
A team of scientists has discovered an ocean of liquid water beneath Pluto's surface, with a shell of nitrogen and water ice estimated to be 40-80 km thick. The density of the ocean is around 8% denser than seawater on Earth, allowing for minimal fractures in the ice above.
Researchers develop multi-scale ice inhibition platform for oocyte cryopreservation
A new platform enables full-cycle cryogenic protection for mouse oocytes, reducing gene variations and improving offspring birth rates. The platform uses nanomaterials to inhibit ice formation, resulting in higher quality preserved oocytes.
Yellowstone Lake ice cover unchanged despite warming climate
Despite rising temperatures in the region, Yellowstone Lake's ice cover has not changed over the past century, according to new research. Increased snowfall has acted as a buffer against warmer weather, delaying ice break-up and protecting the lake's unique ice phenology.
Distant ‘space snowman’ unlocks mystery of how some dormant deep space objects become ‘ice bombs’
A new study on comets suggests that Kuiper Belt Objects like Arrokoth may contain ancient ices from billions of years ago. Researchers found a domino effect where the object's interior gets colder, preserving volatile gases for billions of years.
New model clarifies why water freezes at a range of temperatures
Researchers unveiled a theoretical model that shows specific structural details on surfaces can influence water's freezing point. The model identifies angles between microscopic bumps on a surface that make it easier for water molecules to crystallize at relatively warmer temperatures.
Icy impacts: Planetary scientists use physics and images of impact craters to gauge the thickness of ice on Europa
Researchers analyzed large craters on Europa to determine the ice shell's thickness, finding it to be at least 20 kilometers thick. This conclusion is based on the study of impact cratering and the combination of physical characteristics that could have created such a surface structure.
Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds
Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.