"The Surprising Role of a Common Mineral in Cloud Formation"
New research from the Vienna University of Technology has uncovered the mystery of how feldspar, a common rock mineral, influences cloud formation. Using an atomic force microscope, scientists discovered that the peculiar geometry of feldspar's surface is caused by tiny pockets of water called inclusions, which release water vapor when the rock is split. This process creates hydroxyl groups that serve as perfect anchor points for water molecules to attach themselves to, explaining why feldspar is such an effective nucleation seed for cloud formation. Understanding feldspar's interaction with other elements will provide insights into Earth's carbon, potassium, and water cycles, as well as help in predicting how climate change will affect the atmosphere and cloud formation.