Hexagonal platelet
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-006236
A thin, flat ice crystal with a distinct six-sided shape, resembling a small plate. These crystals form in clouds at temperatures between 0°C and -4°C and also from approximately -10°C to -20°C, where crystal growth favors the basal faces over the prism faces. Due to their large surface area and low mass, hexagonal platelets have a slow fall speed and contribute to the formation of cirrus clouds and some optical effects.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-006236 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-006236",
"term": "Hexagonal platelet",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "A thin, flat ice crystal with a distinct six-sided shape, resembling a small plate. These crystals form in clouds at temperatures between 0°C and -4°C and also from approximately -10°C to -20°C, where crystal growth favors the basal faces over the prism faces. Due to their large surface area and low mass, hexagonal platelets have a slow fall speed and contribute to the formation of cirrus clouds and some optical effects.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/hexagonal-platelet/"
}
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