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Scanning Electron Microscopy of Pure Ice

Micrograph of a roughened prismatic facet of pure water ice obtained by variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy. The horizontal corrugations, called "trans-prismatic strands", are characteristic of the prismatic facet, and are thought to be pyramidal microfacets. Roughened pyramidal…

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Salty Ice

Micrograph of a cluster of salted ice crystals obtained by variable-pressure scanning electron microscopy, at -33.7°C.

Molecular Dynamics of the Ice-Vapor Interface

Adsorbed water molecules atop a disordered quasi-liquid layer of ice at the prismatic ice-vapor interface, at 230K. Arrows indicate alternating troughs and plateaus in the trans-prismatic direction. Self-diffusion occurs preferentially along troughs.