Spider-like patterns in ice

[loripo]

I took this today in our local park. All around the lake wher there was ice these pattersn had formed. Any idea how - and what they are called?

[faz]

defrosting ice

[turkeyneck]

Originally Posted by faz

defrosting ice

Have stones been thrown in to break through the surface then defrosting has taken place like Faz says?

[loripo]

WE thought that at first - but some were a long way across from the paths and I don't think smallish stones would have brokn through the ice.
I'vee now see some simliar photos on flickr going back a couple of years and one or two from Canada - but no-one seems to know what they are!

[Littlesparrow]

I thought someone had thrown stones in, but if thats not the case might gas bubbles have caused them?

[Kayleigh]

There are what look like little footprints going to the shapes..
Little men have walked across the ice then fell through the ice the shapes are holes then the ice has covered over the hole..

[Farplace]

Originally Posted by Kayleigh

There are what look like little footprints going to the shapes..
Little men have walked across the ice then fell through the ice the shapes are holes then the ice has covered over the hole..

Yes, its obvious now you mention it - its those Xmas elves!! Hope they got out ok!

[loripo]

There were lots of footprints too in another part of the lake. Elves! Of course, why didn't I think of that

[loripo]

Have been doing some more searching - lots of similar photos about and it seems that 'ice dendrites' has been adopted as the term to use. Nobody gives any clue as to how they are formed, just that it's possibly thawed and refrozen ice that makes them. Some a metres across.