| Term: | Crystalline frost |
| Definition: |
Hoarfrost that exhibits a relatively simple macroscopic crystalline structure; to be distinguished from amorphous frost. Crystalline frosts are classified into five forms: 1) needle; 2) featherlike; 3) plate; 4) cup; and 5) dendritic. Such ice forms are typically developed as a result of deposition at temperatures well below 0C, the degree of supersaturation and temperature controlling the form. AMSglossary
GCW |