Observation of ice crystal formation in lower Arctic atmosphere.

Abstract

Clear sky ice crystals or diamond dust displays are observed in polar regions, both remote and populated, when the temperature falls to -20oC and where abundant sources of water vapor are present. In remote areas of the Arctic, these ice crystals are confined to the lowest 1000 m, leeward of open leads in the sea ice. The crystals always occur in air between ice and water saturation, and air dryer than ice saturation normally overlies the display. -from Authors