Premelting-Induced Smoothening of the Ice-Vapor Interface

We perform computer simulations of the quasiliquid layer of ice formed at the ice-vapor interface close to the ice Ih-liquid-vapor triple point of water. Our study shows that the two distinct surfaces bounding the film behave at small wavelengths as atomically rough and independent ice-water and water-vapor interfaces. For long wavelengths, however, the two surfaces couple, large scale parallel fluctuations are inhibited, and the ice-vapor interface becomes smooth. Our results could help explain the complex morphology of ice crystallites.

Premelting-Induced Smoothening of the Ice-Vapor Interface

We perform computer simulations of the quasi-liquid layer of ice formed at the ice/vapor interface close to the ice Ih/liquid/vapor triple point of water. Our study shows that the two distinct surfaces bounding the film behave at small wave-lengths as atomically rough and independent ice/water and water/vapor interfaces. For long wave-lengths, however, the two surfaces couple, large scale parallel fluctuations are inhibited and the ice/vapor interface becomes smooth. Our results could help explaining the complex morphology of ice crystallites.