Ice spike

[Catherine]

Thought you might appreciate what I found in a bird bath on the morning of 11th February - when it was -7C here.

I'd just filled the bird bath with fresh water the afternoon before, but I guess there must have been some ice below it....

It does look rather rude, doesn't it?

(Sorry, but I cannot find a better explanation than this just now - Defying the laws of gravity: ice spikes)

We experienced something similar in Lanark many years ago. The spike then rose across the bird bath, making it look like a gnomon on a sundial. It had a broad, triangular base and was noticeably hollow in the centre. It happened on the night when we'd had the coldest weather of that winter - -27C at Carnwath near us, rising to -18C during the day. It was so cold that time that a curling match was held at Lanark Loch the next day - the first in nearly 100 years!

[rolf]

Certainly a strange one Catherine, not seen that before.

Here's a similar event.



And here's the explanation.

http://www.physics.utoronto.ca/~smor...icespikes.html

[ladylouise62]

LOL - a little rude, yes - but I also have visions of Blue Tits sliding down going "Wheeee!!!"

[Catherine]

Wonder if our Blueys thought of that?

I found that video - and it is not unlike the one we had in Lanark. I noticed that other page too, Rolf. The explanation is good, but I've still to find one which is 'just right'. I HAD found a site last year though - when my sister-in-law 'grew' one in her birdbath as well, but I lost the link when my last computer 'died'

[dig deep]

Strange indeed Mother Nature is playing with us