Uncovering the Role of Bacteria in Snow Formation and Climate Regulation

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In summary, a recent study published in Science has found that ice nucleating bacteria play a significant role in atmospheric processes leading to precipitation, both in the form of rain and snow. This suggests that these biological particles may have an impact on the global climate and their own survival through precipitation during atmospheric transport. The bacteria use the weather as a means of propagation, indicating their influence on Earth's history. The potential implications for evolution and the need for further research in this area are also discussed.
  • #1
Andre
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http://www6.comcast.net/news/articles/science/2008/02/28/Snow.Bugs/print/

it seems so:


Brent C. Christner, Cindy E. Morris, Christine M. Foreman, Rongman Cai, David C. Sands;2008, http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/319/5867/1214Science 29 February 2008: Vol. 319. no. 5867, p. 1214 DOI: 10.1126/science.1149757

Despite the integral role of ice nucleators (IN) in atmospheric processes leading to precipitation, their sources and distributions have not been well established. ...

...a substantial fraction were bacteria. Our results indicate that the biosphere is a source of highly active IN and suggest that these biological particles may affect the precipitation cycle and/or their own precipitation during atmospheric transport.

Climate regulated by bacteria?
 
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  • #2
Makes sense. Dandruff and skin particles could add to some of it as well.
 
  • #3
Ice nucleating bacteria? cool!

There's another article in ScienceDaily about this here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080228174801.htm

Looks like they're saying precipitation in the form of rain as well as just snow.

I wonder what implications this has for evolution? If precipitation today is largely due to nucleation on bacteria, then that might imply that prior to bacteria, nucleation sites on dust particles may have resulted in less rain. Also, these bacteria seem to use the mechanism of the weather to propogate, so this mechanism of spreading biological life must have influenced Earth's history.
 
  • #4
The possibility that these bacteria could play a role in cloud formation was suggested as early as 1985.


http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Climate+and+Africa:+why+the+land+goes+dry-a03762067

Snow resorts have been taking advantage of the ability to form ice crystals by using the bacteria in snow making machines.

I haven't been able to find much about the bacteria Pseudomonas syringae in terms of how it aids ice crystal formation either as frost on plants or as airborne crystals. The research seems to be more focused on its genome and how it affects plants other than formation of frost.

I would guess that it uses the latent heat in water vapor/liquid to provide its energy needs at least at times.

It appears that the bacteria can form ice crystals at above freezing air temperatures.

There needs to be more climate related research of this bacteria, but too much of the money apportioned to climate research is being wasted on worthless computer models that are supposed to be able to predict future climate even though no one knows how to model cloud formation.
 
  • #5
If this is true, then this is epic.

Kind of a "High, Cold Biosphere" instead of the "Deep, Hot Biosphere."
 
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1. How do bacteria make snow?

Bacteria make snow through a process called ice nucleation. They have specialized proteins on their surface that can bind to water molecules and cause them to freeze at higher temperatures than normal. This creates tiny ice crystals, which can then grow and accumulate into snowflakes.

2. What types of bacteria can make snow?

Several types of bacteria have been found to have ice nucleation proteins and therefore have the ability to make snow. These include Pseudomonas syringae, Erwinia herbicola, and Pantoea agglomerans. However, there may be other bacterial species that also have this capability.

3. Where do bacteria that make snow come from?

Bacteria that make snow are commonly found in soil, plants, and bodies of water. They can also be found in the air, as they can be carried by wind currents. These bacteria are present in many different environments and are an important part of the ecosystem.

4. Is bacteria-made snow safe to touch and play with?

Bacteria-made snow is generally considered safe to touch and play with, as the bacteria are not harmful to humans. However, as with any outdoor activity, it is important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands after playing in the snow.

5. How does bacteria-made snow affect the environment?

Bacteria-made snow can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. On one hand, it can help to create precipitation and enhance snowfall, which is important for ecosystems and water resources. On the other hand, excessive snow caused by bacteria can damage crops and plants, and can also contribute to avalanches in mountainous regions.

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