Why water splashes: New theory reveals secrets

The reason why raindrops and spilled coffee splash has been revealed by scientists. The new theory uncovers – for first time – what happens in space between liquid drop and surface to cause splash. A microscopic layer of air – 50 times smaller than a human hair – trapped between liquid and surface can prevent liquid spreading on surface. In their new report, scientists compare the scale of this 1cm layer of air stopping a tsunami wave spreading across a beach.

(via WSJ)