What is the characteristic of rime icing?

Rime icing is characterized by a rough, milky, and opaque appearance. This type of icing forms when supercooled water droplets collide with and freeze onto the surface of an aircraft, resulting in structures that trap air and create a frosty quality. The freezing process does not result in the smooth, reflective surfaces seen with other types of icing.

In contrast to other choices, rime icing's rough texture is a key identifier, as it has a more irregular surface compared to the glossy and translucent nature of certain icing types like clear ice. Its milky appearance indicates a less dense formation, and while it may be considered heavy in certain weather conditions, it is not as dense as some types of ice. The light and transparent option, while it may describe other types of icing like clear ice, does not accurately represent the specific characteristics of rime icing.