What does the term 'rimes' refer to in cloud physics?

The term 'rimes' in cloud physics specifically refers to the accumulation of ice that occurs when supercooled water droplets collide with a surface that is below freezing. This process leads to the formation of rime ice, which often appears as a white, frosty coating on objects such as trees, power lines, and buildings.

In this context, the interaction between the supercooled water and the cold surface leads to the rapid freezing of the droplets, resulting in the characteristic frost-like deposition. This is distinct from other forms of ice or snow, such as the formation of snowflakes, which involves a different process and temperature conditions, or the mere collection of water droplets on surfaces, which does not necessitate freezing. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in meteorology as it affects weather conditions and can impact aviation and surface transport.