Needle ice are thin, elongated ice crystals that form perpendicular to the ground surface. Subterranean liquid water is brought to the surface via capillary action, where it freezes and contributes to a growing needle-like ice column forming perpendicular to the ground surface. Single crystals are rare. The optimum ground temperature range between 0C and -5C, with a temperature gradient between 0.3 and 0.5C/cm. Same as candle ice.
« Back to Glossary IndexNeedle ice
« Back to Glossary Index