Sunday, December 23, 2012

Unusual Ice

On a steep clay slope at Potato Creek State Park (North Liberty, Indiana), I found these unusual ice formations right on the surface of the ground. My guess is that moisture was seeping out of the clay and freezing.


4 comments:

Nickie and Jim said...

Saw these ice formations near a canal path in Nevada City, CA last week while walking. Forgot my camera that day, so I can't prove it.

Cool, aren't they?

Keith Board said...

Yes, they are cool indeed. Cold, in fact! I'm glad someone besides me got to see such an interesting natural phenomenon! Thanks for commenting Intrepid!

Kathleen said...

I think this is called "needle ice" and yes, the pores in the compact clayey soil are slowly pushing the ice out... like a spaghetti maker.

Keith Board said...

Thanks Kathleen. Good to know!