Discovering a New Form of Ice: The "True Glassy State" of Water Found!

 New Form of Ice: Medium-Density Amorphous (MDA) Ice 

                Medium-Density Amorphous (MDA) Ice

Introduction 

Ice is not just frozen water, it has different forms with distinct atomic structures. Scientists have now discovered a new form of ice that they describe as a "snapshot" of water. This new type of ice could be found on other planets and moons. 

Types of Ice 

Ice is known to exist in 20 different forms, each with unique atomic structures that result from exposure to varying temperature and pressure conditions. The ice on Earth's surface is known as ice I, but it is not the only form. Some other forms of ice have been created in laboratory experiments and are believed to exist in space and on other planets and moons like Europa. 

A New Type of Ice: Medium-Density Amorphous (MDA) Ice 

In a recent study, scientists at University College London have discovered a new form of ice, unlike any other discovered so far. Most ice forms have a crystalline structure, where the atoms follow a uniform pattern. However, the new ice is amorphous, with its atoms arranged randomly, similar to the structure of liquid water. It also has the same density as liquid water, unlike other forms of ice that become less dense. These unique properties lead the researchers to propose that this new form of ice might be the "true glassy state" of water. 

Creation of MDA Ice 

The new ice, MDA, was created in the laboratory through a process called ball milling. Ordinary ice was placed in a jar with some stainless steel balls, cooled to -200°C, and shaken vigorously. Instead of breaking it into smaller pieces of ice, the scientists realized that they had created a new form of ice with some remarkable properties. 

Properties of MDA Ice 

One interesting property of MDA ice is that when it is warmed up and begins to recrystallize, it releases a huge amount of heat. The team suggests that MDA ice could exist on Jupiter's frigid moons like Ganymede or Europa. The gas giant would exert tidal forces on regular ice in a way similar to ball milling, and the heat released when it warms up could trigger "icequakes." 

Conclusion 

The discovery of MDA ice could help explain some of the mysteries surrounding water. Further study of this new form of ice could lead to a better understanding of this seemingly ordinary, yet complex, substance. 

Reference 

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• University College London 

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• Science Journal