What are large supercooled water droplets that freeze slowly into a smooth sheet of solid ice called?

Large supercooled water droplets that freeze slowly into a smooth sheet of solid ice are known as clear ice. This phenomenon occurs when liquid water droplets exist at temperatures below freezing but do not immediately turn into ice upon contact with surfaces. Instead, they form a smooth layer of ice as they freeze gradually, creating a transparent, glass-like appearance.

This type of ice is often associated with freezing rain events, where rain falls as liquid water but freezes on contact with colder surfaces. Clear ice is particularly hazardous because it can form rapidly and create slick conditions that are difficult to detect until one encounters them.

Understanding clear ice is crucial for managing weather-related risks, especially in aviation and road safety, where effective assessment and mitigation of ice formation are necessary.