Ice feathers

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006411",
  "term": "Ice feathers",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A delicate, feathery pattern of frost composed of interlocking ice crystals that form on a cold surface. These structures grow through the process of desublimation, where water vapor in the air turns directly into ice without first becoming liquid water. The intricate patterns are influenced by minute imperfections on the surface, which act as nucleation sites for crystal growth.",
  "synonyms": [
    "frost feathers"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "air hoar"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/ice-feathers/"
}