What is the primary characteristic of rime ice?

Rime ice is primarily characterized by its light, granular surface, which results from the way it forms as supercooled water droplets freeze onto surfaces. Unlike glaze ice, which is smooth and transparent, rime ice typically forms in conditions where droplets freeze rapidly, producing a milky or opaque appearance. This phenomenon usually occurs in low temperatures and can result from ascending air currents causing supercooled water to accumulate on objects like trees, power lines, and aircraft surfaces, which contributes to its lightweight and granular texture. Understanding this characteristic is essential in aviation and meteorological contexts, as rime ice can affect aircraft performance during flight.