EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


Spiral Pattern on an Icy Puddle

February 22, 2023

Ice spiral

Photographer: Mark Hendrickson

Summary Authors: Mark Hendrickson; Jim Foster

I’ve have seen concentric ice rings in puddles, but this is the
first true spiral I’ve observed. This photo was taken about 17 miles
(27 km) northeast of Payson, Arizona on January 21, 2023. The overnight
low was 18ºF (-8 C), and at the time of the photo the temperature had
climbed to 28ºF (-2 C). The surface of the puddle was about 2 ft (.6 m)
across and was completely frozen. It's very likely that the ice didn't
reach the bottom of this little puddle.

A number of factors can lead to odd patterns on icy surfaces. Note
the fractures (white lines) in the ice at left, in the only ring not
part of the spiral formation. The next ring starts the actual spiral.
So, it seems that there was an initial sheet across the puddle, and
when the ice became sufficiently thick (perhaps a few mm) only one more
crack formed. With just a single crack, as the water beneath
transferred to the ice and shrunk (contracted) toward the center, the
crack grew and spiraled inward. However, exactly how these spirals
formed is still a bit of a mystery. Thanks to Steven Arcone and Doug
Stith for their help with this.


Payson, Arizona Coordinates: 34.2309, -111.3251


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More...

Cryosphere Links

* Guide to Frost
* What is the Cryosphere?
* Bentley Snow Crystals
* Glaciers of the World
* Ice, Snow, and Glaciers: The Water Cycle
* The National Snow and Ice Data Center Google Earth Images
* Snow and Ice Crystals

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