Ice phenomenon ?

Aunty Gill · #1 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 03:02 PM

I have just come across this great site searching for identification of a wildflower and was wondering if anyone can help in explaining the "ice phenomenon" shown in the photograph?

The photo was taken one morning about 3 years ago roundabout 9a.m. in the winter in the Highlands of Scotland. About 800 ft. above sea level. The "phenomenon" appeared in a flower tub with water and stones in which we have for the birds to drink from and bathe in. It was approximately 3" high when I first noticed it and gradullay melted as the sun moved round.

animartco · #2 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 03:19 PM

Explanation:- the ice had been playing golf with snowflakes.
You didn't happen to notice if anything had been sticking up inside it? A tiny twig? And I imagine there was something above it which could drip? I have had a blob occur in an ice bucket but that one is a super shape!

Kayleigh · #3 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 03:25 PM

The above seems a plausible explanation..
This is one I took last year, water dripped onto a cordeline leaf and froze.

Aunty Gill · #4 (**permalink**) 28-08-2010, 03:31 PM

Thanks for your suggestions.

As far as I can remember there was no twig in the water. I have had a closer look at the photos and can't see anything. There was nothing overhead. As it was such a hard frost I shouldn't think there was any wind to blow a drip of some sort off the house. The angle the "phenomenon" appears to enter the water shows it coming towards the house not from the house. What also struck me about it was its quite definite shape and clear lines.

Once again thank you for your help.

All the best.

Aunty Gill