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arXiv · 1302.1231

Toward a Comprehensive Model of Snow Crystal Growth Dynamics: 2. Structure Dependent Attachment Kinetics near -5 C

Kenneth G. Libbrecht
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Abstract

We present experimental data demonstrating the presence of structure-dependent attachment kinetics (SDAK) in ice crystal growth from water vapor near -5 C. Specifically, we find that the nucleation barrier on the basal edge of a thin-walled hollow columnar crystal is approximately ten times smaller than the corresponding nucleation barrier on a large basal facet. These observations support the hypothesis that SDAK effects play an important role in determining the growth morphologies of atmospheric ice crystals as a function of temperature.

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Kenneth G. Libbrecht. 2013-02-05. Toward a Comprehensive Model of Snow Crystal Growth Dynamics: 2. Structure Dependent Attachment Kinetics near -5 C. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2013.04.037

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