Toward a Comprehensive Model of Snow Crystal Growth: 8. Characterizing Structure-Dependent Attachment Kinetics near -14 C

Abstract

In this paper I examine snow crystal growth near -14 C in comparison with a comprehensive model that includes Structure-Dependent Attachment Kinetics (SDAK). Analyzing a series of ice-growth observations in air, I show that the data strongly support the model, which stipulates that basal growth is described by classical terrace nucleation on faceted surfaces in this temperature region. In contrast, prism growth exhibits a pronounced "SDAK dip" that substantially reduces the nucleation barrier on narrow prism facets (relative to that found on broad prism facets). I use these measurements to further characterize and refine the SDAK model, which effectively explains the robust formation of platelike snow crystals in air near 14 C.