Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2971
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2971
25 Jan 2024
 | 25 Jan 2024

Revolutionizing Hailstone Analysis: Exploring Non-Soluble Particles through Innovative Confocal Laser and Scanning Electron Microscopy Techniques

Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, Will O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar

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 by using the adapted sublimation technique and then analyzing the particles individually with both 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 understanding of ice nucleation. SEM-EDS complements 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.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

20 Sep 2024
Exploring non-soluble particles in hailstones through innovative confocal laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, William O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5561–5579, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, 2024
Short summary
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, Will O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2971', Anonymous Referee #1, 02 Feb 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 21 Feb 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 21 Feb 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 18 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2971', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Mar 2024
    • AC4: 'Reply on RC2', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 18 May 2024

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2971', Anonymous Referee #1, 02 Feb 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 21 Feb 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 21 Feb 2024
    • AC3: 'Reply on RC1', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 18 May 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2023-2971', Anonymous Referee #2, 28 Mar 2024
    • AC4: 'Reply on RC2', Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala, 18 May 2024

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala on behalf of the Authors (18 May 2024)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Referee Nomination & Report Request started (27 May 2024) by Jessie Creamean
RR by Anonymous Referee #1 (28 May 2024)
RR by Anonymous Referee #3 (08 Jul 2024)
ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (17 Jul 2024) by Jessie Creamean
AR by Anthony Crespo Bernal Ayala on behalf of the Authors (23 Jul 2024)  Manuscript 

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

20 Sep 2024
Exploring non-soluble particles in hailstones through innovative confocal laser and scanning electron microscopy techniques
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, William O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 5561–5579, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-5561-2024, 2024
Short summary
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, Will O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar
Anthony C. Bernal Ayala, Angela K. Rowe, Lucia E. Arena, Will O. Nachlas, and Maria L. Asar

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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

Short summary
Hail is a challenging weather phenomenon to forecast due to an incomplete understanding of hailstone formation. Microscopy temperature limitations required previous studies to melt hail for analysis. This paper introduces a unique technique using a plastic cover to preserve particles in their location within the hailstone without melting. Therefore, CLSM and SEM-EDS microscopes can be used to determine individual particle size and their chemical composition related to hail formation processes.