Winter is here again, and the only way to enjoy it is to embrace it! What a better way than exploring the surrounding countryside, where every unexpected corner can offer many surprises; this time the rare and stunning frost flowers.
We had a beautiful weekend, with sunny skies, and itchy feet. Going for a stroll in the neighbourhood to capture the moment was my first thought in the morning, as the flawless white snow and the blue skies were beckoning to us.
Besides many ice formations observed on our way, I was totally taken by surprise when, approaching a small stream, I noticed these interesting emerging forms, bordering the small banks of snow.
Made of ice, the intricate frost flowers are very delicate, and can break easily. They are not seen very often, because they require a very specific combination of temperature, and humidity.
First, the wind speed must be very low, so the ice can ‘grow’ at a nice pace.
But you might wonder how the ice can ‘grow’? The answer is simple! The main reason is the very cold temperature.
When the temperatures drop below -15 degrees Celcius, the air becomes very dry. The dryness pulls the moisture off the small ice protuberances, tending to vaporize. But these water vapours don’t go far, because the freezing temperatures cause them freeze again, at the edge of the existing formation, so crystal by crystal, the vapours turn back into ice, forming these beautiful fern-like flower petals.
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Wow Christie, those are beautiful!
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Thank you😊
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These are so amazing. Thanks Anita
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Thank you Anita!
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Stunning! Thank for showing.
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You’re welcome Inga!
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So beautiful and a real miracle of nature. No wonder the beauty of nature is a source of inspiration for artists and designers as it surprises in many ways. Thanks for sharing and have a lovely day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Indeed, the nature never fails to inspire us if only we keep our eyes and hearts open🙂
Hope you’re doing well, managing between the girls and the house, hugs, xx
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Wow, they are so beautiful and delicate! Thank you for including the explanation of how they are formed – fascinating!
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You’re very welcome😊
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Nature can be so stunning, and you’ve captured it beautifully.
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Thank you Kellye😊
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Absolutely fantastic pictures!
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thank you Pit! Have a beautiful day😊
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👍
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So beautiful!
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Thank you Susan!
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Absolutely gorgeous, Christie. Thanks for the treat!
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You’re very welcome🙂
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What a unique and fun post! I would never have thought to photograph these clusters of frost. They really do look just like ethereal white flowers!
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One doesn’t find easily these kind of ice formations, and this is the first time I found them along my walks. Pictures don’t really do them justice, they were truly exquisite🙂
Have a wonderful weekend Lexie! xx
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Lovely captures of all the frosty formations.
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Thank you Linda!
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they are BEAUTIFUL and lovely shots!
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thank you Andy!
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Wow, these are so pretty.
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thank you Pam!
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The winter has so magic poetic moments to offer. This is beautiful, Christie !
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Thank you Diana! wishing you a lovely weekend🙂
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Absolutely gorgeous photos of these delicate and stunning frost flowers. The images are fascinating and the explanation of their formation very welcome and interesting.
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Mother nature is so skillful when coming to create some art🙂 Thank you for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!!
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