Abstract
We carried out “in situ” observation of the growth of the Xe clathrate hydrate crystal on an ice surface at various pressures and temperatures. Xe hydrate nucleated and grew along the ice surface. The growth morphology changed with an increase in excessive pressure as follows: polygonal, middle type and circular. The analysis of growth rate and morphology indicated layer by layer growth at excess pressure below 0.06MPa. At excess pressures below 0.02MPa, the growth of the Xe hydrate would be controlled by the formation of a screw dislocation. The growth mechanism changed to adhesive growth at excess pressure above 0.06MPa, because of roughening, and the corresponding growth morphology changed to circular.
