On the Positive Electrification of Snow Crystals in the Process of Their Melting (II)

Abstract

The electric charge on falling snow crystals was measured in the process of their melting. The results of measurements showed that the snow crystals obtained positive charge of an order of 10-4 esu on the average and the majority of snow crystals changed their sign of charge from negative to positive.
It was observed that numerous air bubbles were produced in melting snow crystals with a subsequent erruption from their melting surface. It was also confirmed that the more complex the crystal shape, the more positive charge the crystal acquired in the melting state.
From the results of the measurement, it was suggested that snow crystals obtained positive charge in the course of melting when air bubbles errupted from the melting snow crystals, carrying off negative charge.