hailgathering

Hailgathering refers to the practice of collecting hailstones, typically for scientific study, meteorological research, or personal observation. Hail forms when strong updrafts in thunderstorms carry supercooled water droplets above the freezing level, where they freeze into ice pellets. These pellets accumulate layers as they are lifted and fall through varying temperatures, eventually falling to the ground as hailstones of different sizes and shapes.

The collection of hailstones is often conducted by meteorologists and climatologists to analyze their physical properties, such as size, shape, density, and internal structure. This data helps in understanding storm dynamics, improving hailstorm forecasting, and assessing potential damage to crops, infrastructure, and property. Hailgathering can also be done by hobbyists or storm chasers who document hail events for educational or recreational purposes.

Hailstones vary widely in size, ranging from small pebbles to large, destructive projectiles. The largest recorded hailstone, measured in South Dakota in 2020, had a diameter of 8 inches (20 cm) and weighed nearly 2 pounds (0.9 kg). Collectors often use protective gear, such as gloves and containers, to safely handle hailstones, as they can cause injury or damage.

In some regions, hail is a significant hazard, leading to economic losses in agriculture and property damage. Research into hail patterns and behavior aids in developing mitigation strategies, such as hail suppression techniques, which involve seeding clouds with silver iodide or other substances to alter hail formation. While hailgathering itself does not prevent hailstorms, the data collected contributes to broader efforts in weather science and disaster preparedness.