Final answer:
Ice formation on wings and other surfaces is often linked to pressure-induced melting, but recent research shows that instead of melting due to pressure, the smooth gliding on ice is facilitated by the presence of surface water layers and friction-induced melting. This mechanism changes at temperatures below -7°C. For bodies of water, surface ice formation creates an insulating layer that preserves aquatic life in the liquid water below.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formation of ice on a wing's surface has been traditionally attributed to the pressure-induced melting hypothesis. However, recent research has debunked this theory, indicating that the pressure exerted by a skater's blade is much lower than the pressure required to lower the melting point of ice by even 1°C. Instead, ice contains one or more layers of almost liquid water at the surface where the water molecules meet the air.
The surface water layers and the melting induced by the friction as a skater pushes forward enable smooth gliding on ice. However, it is also noted that as temperatures drop below about -7°C, skating becomes more difficult due to a decrease in the number of lubricating surface water layers.
In the context of bodies of water, ice formation on the surface creates an insulating layer, which protects the aquatic life underneath by maintaining water in a liquid state where it is densest, around 4°C, thereby allowing ecosystems beneath to survive the winter months.