Snowflakes are among the most exquisite forms that nature has to offer, and no two flakes are alike. Several evolutionists have attempted to use the order of crystal formation, a result of atomic structures based solely on natural laws, as evidence for the purely natural development of order out of disorder in the evolution of life forms by arguing that to some extent the two processes are comparable. However, a more thorough examination of this argument reveals that this is not substantiated by scientific evidence.

So why do snowflakes have such complicated shapes? Their shape is determined by the properties of their building blocks: water molecules (H₂O). When they combine in solid form, they tend to create the lowest-energy structure possible,¹ which are crystals with six-fold (hexagonal) symmetry.²

We now know that the crystal formation and shape are influenced by both temperature and humidity. The stunning six-limb, star-like crystals form in temperatures over 27°F. Between 27°F and 14°F, snow falls in in the shape of small prisms. Between 14°F and -8°F, they form small stars again, and below -8°F the prism shape returns.³

Nonetheless, scientists are unable to explain why snowflake shapes shift so dramatically with temperature. These shapes are determined by how water vapor molecules are integrated into the forming ice crystal, and the physical processes controlling crystal development are complex and poorly understood.³

Snowflakes, according to some evolutionists, demonstrate how order can emerge from disorder and more complex structures from basic ones based solely on the fundamental physical properties of matter. As a result, the argument contends that life might have evolved from simple molecules that organized themselves in a way that eventually led to more complex structures and eventually the first living cell.⁴

However, crystals are not like living cells. They are dead structures formed by the removal of heat from water. They contain no more information than the water molecules that make up their constituent elements. Evolutionists think that life forms evolved as a result of the input of heat energy to a supposed primordial soup. Not only are these processes very different, but life necessitates the creation of new information (a code) in order to take over a cell’s organizing and reproduction activities. There is no resemblance between snowflakes and living organisms, which are vastly more complex.⁵

Snowflakes do not constitute direct evidence for creation, either. Nonetheless, one can argue philosophically that a universe devoid of God cannot reasonably be anticipated to generate order from disorder. When we perceive order and design in the universe, as illustrated by the hexagonal snowflake, does this not imply a Creator who confers this order and design?²

It is a well-established fact that the physical properties of water are essential prerequisites for the existence of life on Earth. This evidence suggests that a Creator designed the universe and its physical laws to be advantageous for life.⁶ For instance, snow creates an insulating layer on the ground that shields the plants and animals beneath it from the significantly more severe temperatures above.⁷

While the formation of snow crystals might be accomplished with relatively basic forms, including round or square disks, their extravagant beauty and variety reveal God’s loving ingenuity in making snow not only incredibly useful but also absolutely beautiful!

References

1. According to the Laws of Thermodynamics, the formation of the lowest energy structure results in the highest release of heat to the surroundings, increasing overall entropy—a state of disorder, randomness, or uncertainty.
2. Vardiman, L. 2007. Microscopic Masterpieces: Discovering Design in Snow Crystals. Acts & Facts. 36 (12): 10.
3. Libbrecht, K. G. SnowCrystals.com. Posted on snowcrystals.com, accessed December 21, 2024.
4. Bailey, D. H. 2000. Evolution and Probability. Report of National Center for Science Education. 20 (4): 23–25.
5. Cartwright, J. and A. Mackay. Crystals, Information, and the Origin of Life. MIT Technology Review. Posted on technologyreview.com July 19, 2012, accessed December 21, 2024.
6. Sarfati, J. 1997. The Wonders of Water. Creation. 20 (1): 44–47.
7.  Jones, H. G. et al., eds. 2001. Snow Ecology: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Snow-Covered Ecosystems. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

Stage image: Photo of a snowflake. The imaging uses microscope and focus stacking.
Stage image credit: Copyright © Share Alike 4.0 International, Janek Lass. Used in accordance with federal copyright (fair use doctrine) law. Usage by ICR does not imply endorsement of copyright holder.

* Dr. Corrado earned a Ph.D. in systems engineering from Colorado State University and a Th.M. from Liberty University. He is a freelance contributor to ICR’s Creation Science Update, works in the nuclear industry, and is a senior officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve.