In what temperature range does rime icing typically occur?

Rime icing typically occurs in the temperature range of approximately -10 to -20° C. This range is critical because it corresponds to conditions where supercooled water droplets in clouds can freeze on contact with an aircraft's surface when the aircraft is flying through these regions.

At these lower temperatures, the physical properties of the supercooled water allow it to freeze almost instantly upon impact, creating the characteristic rough, opaque rime ice. This can significantly affect the aerodynamics of the aircraft, leading to increased drag and potential stall conditions. The selected range accounts for the atmospheric conditions conducive to rime icing formation, making it an essential consideration for pilots and meteorologists monitoring for icing conditions.

The other options fall outside the most common conditions for rime icing, as temperatures above -10° C would more likely produce clear ice, and temperatures below -20° C may lead to very slow ice formation or other forms of icing not typically classified as rime.