Microscopic ordering of supercooled water on the ice basal face

Abstract Growth of ice crystals is ubiquitous around us, but we still do not know what occurring at the forefront crystallization. In general, interfacial structure inseparably involved in microscopic ordering during crystal growth. However, despite its importance nature and technology, intrinsic role melt growth remains to be elucidated. Here, using extensive molecular dynamics simulations, comprehensively explore how supercooled water molecules are incorporated into basal face. Structural dynamic characterizations ice-water interface demonstrate that face sharp level proceeds layer-by-layer through two-dimensional nucleation without any intermediate structures. We further quantify crossover from layerwise adhesive growth, called kinetic roughening, with height difference correlation normal rate analysis. Moreover, identify presence an ultra-low density layer contact structural interface, which assists a small amount supercooling involving triggers, such as dislocations.