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Context:

Northwestern University engineers have developed a new strategy that prevents frost formation before it begins. It involves adding a thin layer of graphene oxide.

Graphene Oxide:

Graphene oxide is the oxidized form of graphene. It is a single-atomic-layered material that is formed by the oxidation of graphite which is cheap and readily available.

Graphene oxide is easy to process since it is dispersible in water and other solvents. Due to the oxygen in its lattice graphene oxide is not conductive, but it can be reduced to graphene by chemical methods.

About Frost:

Frost is a thin layer of ice on a solid surface, which forms from water vapor that deposits onto a freezing surface. Frost forms when the air contains more water vapor than it can normally hold at a specific temperature. The process is similar to the formation of dew, except it occurs below the freezing point of water typically without crossing through a liquid state.

What Causes Frost?

• Clear skies: It leads to radiational cooling, allowing the greatest amount of heat to exit into the atmosphere.
• Calm to light winds: It prevent the stirring of the atmosphere, which allows a thin layer of super-cooled temperatures to develop at the surface. These super-cooled temperatures can be up to 10 degrees cooler than 4-5 feet above the surface, where observations are typically taken.
  • • For example, if conditions are favorable, air temperatures could be 36 F, but the air in contact with the surface could be 30 degrees or colder.
• Cool temperatures with moisture: It promotes ice crystal development. If the super-cooled, freezing temperatures can cool to the dew point (the temperature at which, when cooled to at constant pressure, condensation occurs; moisture will have to come out of the atmosphere as fog, frost, etc) frost could develop on exposed surfaces.
• Local topography: It has a large role in determining if and where frost develops. Cold air will settle in the valleys since it is heavier than warm air, therefore frost conditions are more prone in these regions. Valleys also shelter the area from stronger winds, enhancing the potential for frost. 

 

Type of Frost	Description	Conditions/Characteristics
Air Frost	Occurs when air temperature falls to or below 32°F (usually measured about 3 feet above the ground).	Common in winter. Defined by subfreezing air temperatures, though ground or objects may not necessarily freeze.
Grass Frost	Frost that forms on grass or vegetation, sensitive to temperature drops.	Can appear while roads or windows remain frost-free. Vegetation cools more quickly than other surfaces.
Ground Frost	Frost that forms on the ground, objects, or trees with temperatures below the freezing point of water.	Can occur without air frost if the ground cools faster than the air. Common between Autumn and Spring.
Hoar Frost	Fine, needle-like frost that forms when water vapor in damp air freezes directly onto surfaces.	Typically white and delicate in appearance. Most common in winter, requires high humidity and freezing temperatures.

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Source:

HINDU

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Frost formation can have significant implications for agriculture and infrastructure. Discuss the meteorological conditions that lead to frost formation and its impact on various sectors. (150 words)