Ice Grain Boundary Surface Transitions
Author Information
Author(s): Christian Pedersen, Albert Mihranyan, Maria Strømme
Primary Institution: Uppsala University
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether grain boundaries in ice crystals induce surface transitions.
Conclusion
The formation of an ice grain boundary induces a surface transition on facets in contact, which does not propagate across facet edges.
Supporting Evidence
- The study visualized the growth of ice crystals using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy.
- It was observed that the transition from smooth to wavy facets occurs only when crystals come into contact.
- The transition increases the growth rate of the ice crystals.
Takeaway
When two ice crystals touch, they can change shape at the edges where they meet, making them wavy instead of smooth.
Methodology
The study used Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy to visualize ice crystals growing into contact under controlled temperature and pressure conditions.
Limitations
The study does not determine how generalizable the results are to natural conditions or other types of ice growth.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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