5. Supercooled Fog and Ice Crystals
In the Arctic, supercooled fog and diamond dust are prevalent phenomena resulting from extremely cold temperatures. Supercooled fog consists of liquid water droplets that remain unfrozen below their typical freezing point, forming a dense, low-lying fog. Diamond dust, on the other hand, comprises tiny ice crystals suspended in the air, creating a sparkling effect when illuminated by sunlight. These ice crystals can also produce halo effects, adding to the visual spectacle. In contrast, fog in milder climates typically consists of liquid water droplets and does not exhibit the same crystalline structures or optical phenomena. For a detailed exploration of diamond dust, refer to the British Antarctic Survey’s publication on the subject. (bas.ac.uk)