Theories to describe the structures and properties of ice surface were
critically examined. Misconceptions were clarified in regard to treat
ment of the liquid-like layer that is expected to exist on the surface
of an ice crystal below O degrees C, 1 atm under equilibrium. It was
shown that the pressure in the surface layer, not the surface free ene
rgy, is responsible for the formation of the liquid-like layer. Transf
ormation of this layer into transitional liquid layer under ice-supers
aturated conditions of the environment and the roles played by the lat
ter layer in non-dendritic and dendritic growth of ice crystals were e
xplained.