Exploring non-soluble particles in hailstones through innovative confocal laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative microscopy analysis methodology to preserve in situ non-soluble particles within hailstones using a protective porous plastic coating, overcoming previous limitations related to melting the hailstone sample. The method is composed of two techniques: trapping non-soluble particles beneath a plastic coat using the adapted sublimation technique and then analyzing the particles individually with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). CLSM provides insights into physical attributes like particle size and surface topography, enhancing our understanding of ice nucleation. SEM–EDS complement CLSM by offering detailed information on individual particle elemental chemistry, enabling classification based on composition. Strategies to reduce background noise from glass substrates during EDS spectral analysis are proposed. By combining powerful, high-resolution microscopy techniques, this methodology provides valuable data on hailstone composition and properties. This information can give insights into hail developmental processes by enhancing our understanding of the role of atmospheric particles.