In-layer inhomogeneity of molecular dynamics in quasi-liquid layers of ice

Quasi-liquid layers (QLLs) are present on the surface of ice and play a significant role in its distinctive chemical and physical properties. These layers exhibit considerable heterogeneity across different scales ranging from nanometers to millimeters. Although the formation of partially ice-like structures has been proposed, the molecular-level understanding of this heterogeneity remains unclear. Here, we examined the heterogeneity of molecular dynamics on QLLs based on molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning analysis of the simulation data. We demonstrated that the molecular dynamics of QLLs do not comprise a mixture of solid- and liquid water molecules. Rather, molecules having similar behaviors form dynamical domains that are associated with the dynamical heterogeneity of supercooled water. Nonetheless, molecules in the domains frequently switch their dynamical state. Furthermore, while there is no observable characteristic domain size, the long-range ordering strongly depends on the temperature and crystal face. Instead of a mixture of static solid- and liquid-like regions, our results indicate the presence of heterogeneous molecular dynamics in QLLs, which offers molecular-level insights into the surface properties of ice.