Phases of ice
States of matter for water as a solid
Variations in pressure and temperature give rise to different phases of ice, which have varying properties and molecular geometries. Currently, twenty-two crystalline phases have been observed, including ice Ih, Ic, ..., XXI. In modern history, phases have been discovered through scientific research with various techniques including pressurization, force application, nucleation agents, and others.
On Earth, most ice is found in the hexagonal Ice Ih phase. Less common phases may be found in the atmosphere and underground due to more extreme pressures and temperatures. Some phases are manufactured for nano scale uses due to their properties. In space, amorphous ice is the most common form as confirmed by observation. Thus, it is theorized to be the most common phase in the universe. Various other phases could be found naturally in astronomical objects.
Theory
Most liquids under increased pressure freeze at higher temperatures because the pressure helps to hold the molecules together. However, the strong hydrogen bonds in water make it different: for some pressures higher than 0.10 MPa (1 atm), water freezes at a temperature below 0 °C. Subjected to higher pressures and varying temperatures, ice can form in nineteen separate known crystalline phases.
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