Delicate, petal-like formations of thin ice that grow on the surface of newly formed sea ice or on plant stems. On young sea ice, they form when moisture evaporating from the slightly warmer, salty ice surface refreezes as feathery crystals in the frigid air above; on certain plant stems, they form when water drawn up from the roots freezes and is extruded through cracks in the stem in thin, curling ribbons as the plant dies back for winter.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceThin layers of ice curled into petals resembling flowers 1 PeriodicityAutumn or early winter, usually seen in the early morning 1 Sources
1. Frost flower - Wikipedia
Visual characteristics
thin layers of ice are often formed into exquisite patterns, curling into 'petals' which resemble flowers.
Formation conditions
are usually visible in the early morning or in shaded areas.
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