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pkocinski | all galleries >> Galleries >> Every So Often in 2010 - Year Four > Pancake Ice
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Pancake Ice

14-Jan-2010

I have seen lots of ice formations on the lake in my life but I had never seen this one until today.

I've contacted three of our local TV station meteorologists to see if they know how they formed. Will post the answers I get here later.

Here is the answer:
Many types of ice form on a lake. The first form is called "frazil ice" or "slush". These extremely small pieces of ice (2-3mm) turn into thin ice during calm conditions. "Nilas" ice is the second stage of ice formation. This is a transparent coating of ice, which, upon growing thicker, turns grey or white in color. What you are seeing is known as "pancake ice". This forms when slush accumulates into floating pads, which upon further freezing, solidify and form circular shapes. These can range up to 10 feet in diameter. You may also notice a rim on the edge of these pieces as well. This is caused by slush being splashed onto the "pancake" and freezing into ice.


other sizes: small medium large original auto
Bryan Murahashi29-Sep-2012 04:00
Fabulous shot of these unique looking ice formations. V
J. Scott Coile27-May-2010 17:35
Just learned something new...
Jeff Lobaugh20-Jan-2010 04:56
This is really neat. Thanks for the background info.
Guest 17-Jan-2010 00:11
Fascinating! Great shot of the phenomenon, and thanks for chasing and sharing the background info.
Walter Otto Koenig15-Jan-2010 17:48
Very cool shot of this fascinating phenomenon, I've never seen anything like it.
Mairéad15-Jan-2010 16:59
Yes, I was thinking lily pads too. A real cool shot.
Ed Preston15-Jan-2010 16:47
Any water lilies around? Or is the lake blowing smoke rings! :-) Really great eye Patti!
Cindi Smith15-Jan-2010 12:37
How cool! Never have seen anything like this either.....very cool! BV!
tammie15-Jan-2010 03:59
Wow, that is crazy cool!! So glad you could capture it so the rest of us could see it too!
Guest 15-Jan-2010 03:16
Wow, now that's something. Reminds me of a scene from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade where he had to walk on circular stones or fall to the depths below. Don't get any ideas ;)
Mike Stobbs15-Jan-2010 02:24
Now this is very cool for sure......a first for me also.....
Paula Krugerud15-Jan-2010 01:40
Whoa...these are crazy! Frozen raindrops!? I've never seen anything like it.
Guest 15-Jan-2010 00:53
Great capture. Any idea how these are formed.Very well done.
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