Nature Walk: Hoarfrost

“Moving water in small streams freezes as temperatures near zero degrees Fahrenheit. When the air is supersaturated (has a high dew point) and combined with below freezing temperatures crystals form on the ice surface and objects which are imbedded in the ice such as leaves or small branches. Under just the right circumstances crystals can grow in layers through a process known as constructive metamorphism and gradually increase in size. On occasion I have seen them attain the size of dinner plates on the ice of open lakes.” -Carl Kurtz

If you are interested in purchasing a print of this photo or requesting information on possible use of any of our “Nature Walk” photographs, please contact Carl Kurtz at cpkurtz@netins.net. View our other Nature Walk posts!