What type of ice is characterized as opaque, whitish, pebbly, and granular?

Rime ice is indeed characterized by its distinct opaque, whitish, pebbly, and granular appearance. It forms when supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with a surface, typically during conditions where there is high humidity and wind, such as in cloud or fog environments. The formation process leads to a texture that is not smooth but rather rough and irregular, giving rime ice its unique look.

This type of ice often accumulates on aircraft and structures, particularly on leading edges and surfaces exposed to airflow. As rime ice builds up, it can significantly affect the aerodynamics of an aircraft, leading to increased drag and potential control difficulties during flight.

The other types of ice mentioned differ primarily in their formation processes and appearances. Clear ice, for example, tends to be smooth and transparent, formed from larger droplets that freeze quickly on impact. Glaze ice is also smooth but occurs when rain freezes upon contact with cold surfaces, creating a glossy finish. Mixed ice refers to a combination of different ice types, lacking the specific characteristics that define rime ice.