Observation of microstructures of atmospheric ice using a new replica technique

A replication technique has been developed to study the microstructure of atmospheric ice based on the use of nail varnish rather than more harmful materials. The potential of the technique was demonstrated by obtaining and reporting microstructures for impact ice grown on metal surfaces in an icing tunnel under a range of cloud conditions. The technique reveals grain structure, growth striations, porosity and etch features which may indicate an aspect of crystallographic orientations.