Effects of Particulate Matter on Precipitation

Overview

Objectives/Goals The purpose of this project is to determine if the source and size of airborne particulate matter (PM) can affect precipitation rates. While conservative water usage is an important factor to consider during the drought, understanding precipitation formation and patterns is vital as well. The reduction of dust and other PM10 may be contributing to the minimal precipitation. Methods/Materials Testing was done with three common particulates; pine smoke, dust, agricultural burning (grape drying paper), and a control. To test these variables, a cloud chamber was constructed. Results Dust produced the most condensation at an average of 8.3g of condensation. The control had an average of 7.9g of condensation. The pine smoke variable had an average of 7.3g. The results showed that the dust created more condensation than the control. Conclusions/Discussion This study#s hypothesis showed to be correct. It stated the dust would have the greatest amount of condensation produced when compared to the control. Dust is PM10 and provides a larger surface for the precipitation to condense around, thus creating more condensation. Pine smoke and agricultural burning are measured to be PM2.5, therefore providing a smaller surface for condensation to form.

Competition history

• CSEF 2016 Environmental Science · Entry J1113

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

Related projects

Closest projects by meaning, across every fair and year in the corpus.

Browse more like this

• All Environmental Analysis projects
• CSEF Environmental Analysis projects
• Every CSEF 2016 project