A supercooled water layer on ice

Abstract

A model of the surface structure of liquid water and ice (Fletcher 1968) is reconsidered to include the appropriate definition of the quadrupole moment of the water molecule and to correct errors in derivation. Proof of the existence of a supercooled liquid film in equilibrium with an ice surface is dependent upon the approximation used to average electrostatic interactions within the molecular ensemble. According to approximations described here, the preferred molecular orientation is that with protons directed outwards from the liquid layer; however, the alternative orientation is possible if these approximations are invalid.