Transition layer on the surface on ice

Abstract

Abstract The coefficient of ellipticity has been measured for light reflected from the basal and prism faces of ice. The results indicate that a waterlike layer is present below the bulk freezing point. The layer thickness depends upon crystal orientation, and decreases rapidly as the temperature is lowered; at −20°C it is about 100 A thick for the prism face, and no longer measurable for the basal face. The anisotropy is consistent with expectations based upon the free energies of the surfaces involved.