Physical-chemical properties of non-soluble particles in a hailstone
collected in Argentina
Abstract
This study presents a novel analysis of a hailstone collected near
Cordoba, Argentina, quantifying the composition, size distribution, and
potential sources of non-soluble particles contained within. The
hailstone contained diverse particles, with sizes ranging from 1.9 to
150.3 µm, primarily carbonaceous, including in the center, suggesting a
possible biological and geological influence on hail formation. Silicate
particles were distributed throughout the hailstone, likely from eroded
soil and agricultural activities. Finally, salts were detected in the
outer layers of the hailstone and may have originated from the nearby
salt lake. This study highlights the regional influence of various land
use types on hail formation and growth and points to the potential
impacts of natural and anthropogenic factors on hailstone composition.