Plastic Ice VII

March 13, 2025

Scientists have confirmed the existence of Plastic Ice VII, a fourth form of water that emerges under extreme conditions. This revelation, led by Livia Bove from Sorbonne University, alters our comprehension of water’s behaviour in harsh planetary environments.

What Is Plastic Ice VII?

Plastic Ice VII is an exotic phase of ice that allows water molecules to rotate freely within a rigid crystalline structure.
Unlike ordinary ice, which has a fixed arrangement of molecules, Plastic Ice VII maintains its crystalline form while enabling molecular rotation.
This phase was initially predicted in 2008. Recent advanced neutron-scattering experiments have provided solid evidence of its existence.

Conditions for Formation

Plastic Ice VII forms under extreme conditions, specifically at pressures exceeding three gigapascals (GPa). This pressure is approximately 30,000 times greater than atmospheric pressure on Earth. The temperatures required for its formation are above 450 Kelvin (177°C). Such conditions are typically found in the interiors of icy celestial bodies.

Discovery Techniques

The discovery of Plastic Ice VII involved sophisticated techniques. Researchers employed quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) alongside diamond-anvil cells to study minute high-pressure samples. These methods enabled scientists to observe molecular motion at the atomic level. Their analysis confirmed that while Plastic Ice VII retains a crystalline structure, its molecules rotate in specific, preferred directions.

Importance of the Discovery

The confirmation of Plastic Ice VII has deep implications for planetary science. Ice VII, an earlier known phase, exists deep within the icy moons of Jupiter and Saturn, such as Callisto, Ganymede, and Titan. The existence of Plastic Ice VII indicates that water behaves in increasingly complex ways in extreme environments. This understanding could provide vital information about the potential for life in harsh planetary conditions and how water influences the structural integrity of celestial bodies.

Future Implications

The discovery of Plastic Ice VII may lead to advancements in materials science and planetary exploration. Understanding this exotic phase of ice could inspire the development of futuristic technologies that operate under extreme pressure conditions. Researchers believe this new knowledge will enhance our understanding of water’s role in various scientific fields, including astrobiology and material engineering.

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