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It’s common knowledge that rain helps flowers bloom. But new research suggests the opposite may also be true: Pollen from flowers could help form clouds and bring about rain.
In a study published this week in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, atmospheric scientists from the University of Michigan and Texas A&M found that pollen from six different plants and trees effectively formed clouds in a laboratory setting.
For rain to fall, you first need clouds. These are created when gaseous water, or steam, condenses into tiny droplets. Small particles known as cloud condensation nuclei start this process, giving the water something to condense upon. But water won’t glom on to just any particle; it must be the right size—minuscule—and the right material, specifically something that can absorb moisture.
Scientists used to think that pollen grains were too big to function in this way, says atmospheric scientist and study co-author Allison Steiner. But her work and that of others has shown how pollen grains fracture when they encounter moisture, producing particles that can be thousands of times smaller. These little bloom-bits are both the appropriate size and made of the right stuff—hygroscopic carbohydrates and proteins—to form clouds.
www.newsweek.com
In a study published this week in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, atmospheric scientists from the University of Michigan and Texas A&M found that pollen from six different plants and trees effectively formed clouds in a laboratory setting.
For rain to fall, you first need clouds. These are created when gaseous water, or steam, condenses into tiny droplets. Small particles known as cloud condensation nuclei start this process, giving the water something to condense upon. But water won’t glom on to just any particle; it must be the right size—minuscule—and the right material, specifically something that can absorb moisture.
Scientists used to think that pollen grains were too big to function in this way, says atmospheric scientist and study co-author Allison Steiner. But her work and that of others has shown how pollen grains fracture when they encounter moisture, producing particles that can be thousands of times smaller. These little bloom-bits are both the appropriate size and made of the right stuff—hygroscopic carbohydrates and proteins—to form clouds.
Pollen May Help Clouds Form, Increase Rainfall
Some scientists think trees could be influence the amount of rain in a particular area.
www.newsweek.com
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