By Rohit Nagar
Publish date: 22 JAN 2024
Feldspar, comprising half of Earth's crust, is a pivotal mineral in cloud formation, as highlighted by Vienna University of Technology researchers.
The fine powder of feldspar in the atmosphere serves as excellent nucleation seeds, allowing water molecules to adhere, freeze, and eventually form clouds.
Utilizing an atomic force microscope, scientists discovered that the unique surface geometry of feldspar is an ideal anchoring point for water molecules, enhancing cloud formation.
Initially considering potassium and crystal defects, researchers found that feldspar's effectiveness as a nucleation seed is attributed to its surface hydroxyl groups' geometry.
The team used a sensitive atomic force microscope to scan the feldspar surface, revealing unexpected results that challenged common theories.
The variance in surface appearance was traced back to tiny water inclusions in the rock, released when the stone is broken, forming hydroxyl groups on the feldspar surface.
The hydroxyl layer, crucial for water molecule anchoring, forms a stable connection between feldspar and attaching water molecules, influencing cloud formation.
The bond between feldspar and the hydroxyl layer is stable, requiring high temperatures to remove, providing insights into cloud nucleation seed stability.
Understanding the physics of cloud formation, especially the role of specific crystals like feldspar, is vital in the context of climate change, as emphasized by the researchers.
The study sheds light on the significance of comprehending cloud formation physics to address climate change challenges, underscoring the importance of continued research in this field.