Last night's drop in temperature brought a gorgeous frosty morning here in the St. Croix Valley. Even the barbed wire is frosted. All the spikes face north on the frost, reflecting a northern wind as the frost was forming. The south side of everything is frost-free.
I thought this was hoarfrost, as rime ice typically only forms in moist areas, but after more research, I think it is actually rime ice as it formed in the foggy conditions last night while the temperature dropped. From what I understand, hoarfrost is formed without fog moisture and usually is more feathery instead of spiked. It's softness arises from condensation, whereas the spikes of rime ice come from deposition.
Would appreciate learning more from any of you who are familiar with the two processes!
I love the silhouette of the frost and finch:
Great photographs and you taught me a new way to look at ice.
ReplyDelete