Moisture needs something to cling to in order to condense into snow and rain. Scientists--however--were surprised to find out how frequently that something is bacteria.
A study published Friday in the journal Science reveals that a large share of those so-called nucleators turn out to be bacteria that can affect plants.
"Bacteria are by far the most active ice nuclei in nature," said Brent C. Christner, an assistant professor of biological sciences at
Christner and colleagues studied snow samples from Antarctica, France, Montana , and Canada's Yukon and found that as much as 85% of the nuclei were bacteria. The bacteria finding was most common in France, followed by Montana and the Yukon, and was even present in Antarctica.
Pseudomonas syringae were the most typical bacteria observed. These bacteria can cause diseases in several types of plants including tomatoes and beans.
Christner said that in the past, scientists have tried to eliminate Pseudomonas. After learning that these bacteria turn out to be a major factor in encouraging snow and rain, he wonders if that is a good idea. Eliminating the bacteria might result in less rain or snow. There must be some substitute first before doing such alteration of nature.
Pseudomonas syringae were the most typical bacteria observed. These bacteria can cause diseases in several types of plants including tomatoes and beans.
Christner said that in the past, scientists have tried to eliminate Pseudomonas. After learning that these bacteria turn out to be a major factor in encouraging snow and rain, he wonders if that is a good idea. Eliminating the bacteria might result in less rain or snow. There must be some substitute first before doing such alteration of nature.
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