Quote:
Originally Posted by kiltoncomp  the only time our pond froze over completely(some years ago now)
i melted a hole in the ice with a saucepan and boiling water, and then pumped out some water to leave a gap between the water and the ice,(about 1 or 2 inches)
it lets out any noxious gases that developed in the water and also semed to insulate the whole pond, and although the ice did not melt, the water below did not freeze again, while that cold snap persisted. |
I'm puzzled by the idea that noxious gasses might build up. Ice is a fairly permeable material and it is only at great thicknesses where atmospheric sealing would occur. And unless the body of water is very deep, the cold will have slowed down all bacterial activity so that putrefaction will be largely on hold. In a temperate climate a frozen pond is a natural environment, unless it's supporting some tender species of plant or animal then there should be no need for intervention. - Or I have I missed something ?
CM