The system of dark lines superposed on the continuous solar spectrum formed by the absorption of photons by atoms and molecules in the solar and terrestrial atmospheres.
(Or frazil crystals; also called needle ice.) Ice crystals that form in supercooled water that is too turbulent to permit coagulation into sheet ice. This is most common in swiftly flowing streams, bu
t is also found in a turbulent sea (where it is called lolly ice). It may accumulate as anchor ice on submerged objects obstructing the water flow.
Small needle-like ice crystals, typically 3 to 4 millimeters in diameter, suspended in water, that represent the first stages of sea ice growth; they merge under calm conditions to form thin sheets of
ice on the surface, frazil crystals consist of nearly pure fresh water.