Ice is the solid form of water, created when water is cooled to its freezing point (0°C or 32°F). It's a crystalline structure where water molecules are arranged in a rigid lattice. Ice is less dense than liquid water, which is why it floats. This property is crucial for aquatic life as it allows bodies of water to freeze from the top down, insulating the water below. Ice plays a vital role in various natural processes, including shaping landscapes through glacial erosion and influencing weather patterns.
