Scientists are getting to grips with ice
Climate change is making water freeze in unexpected ways
Jack Frost is a tricky adversary. As the mercury falls, water’s behaviour becomes erratic, leading to ice and snow with physical properties that can vary enormously depending on environmental factors such as temperature and moisture. That can complicate tasks as varied as developing new ice-repellent materials and predicting the likelihood of an avalanche. New research is suggesting ways to put this slippery field on firmer foundations.
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This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “Deep freeze”
From the April 19th 2025 edition
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