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Centre for Atmospheric Science

Ice and Mixed Phase Clouds - Rimed Crystals

Riming occurs in mixed phase clouds when water droplets are in collision with ice crystals, the majority of riming occurs at temperatures between -5 and -25C. The collision causes the droplet to freeze instantaneously maintaining an almost spherical shape. The figure shows crystals with just a few rime particle attached, where the original crystal shape is clearly distinguishable, and others where there is so much rime that it is impossible to determine the original crystal habit.
Riming occurs in mixed phase clouds when water droplets are in collision with ice crystals, the majority of riming occurs at temperatures between -5 and -25C. The collision causes the droplet to freeze instantaneously maintaining an almost spherical shape. The figure shows crystals with just a few rime particle attached, where the original crystal shape is clearly distinguishable, and others where there is so much rime that it is impossible to determine the original crystal habit.
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