Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: AllenG on 22/07/2008 14:59:49

Title: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: AllenG on 22/07/2008 14:59:49

Why is it that every now and again I open my  freezer to find one of the ice cubes has come to attention?
I'd say it happens about one twentieth of the time I make ice.
What would be the cause in the obviously variable environment of my freezer?

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fawcg.com%2FAllen%2FRandomImages%2FIcecube.jpg&hash=69626489f8f36ea194584f2f9bdfcbb3)

Nothing is dripping on the ice.

Title: Re: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: AllenG on 22/07/2008 15:30:07

BTW--my server is acting all fakakta. If the image does not post, hit refresh.

Title: Re: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: paul.fr on 22/07/2008 15:43:22

I think Neil asked this a while back, can't find the topic though...

The short explanation is this: as the ice freezes fast under supercooled conditions, the surface can get covered except for a small hole. Water expands when it freezes. As freezing continues, the expanding ice under the surface forces the remaining water up through the hole and it freezes around the edge forming a hollow spike. Eventually, the whole thing freezes and the spike is left.

The longer, and possibly more accurate answer may be found here:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/aprilholladay/2005-10-24-ice-spikes_x.htm

Title: Re: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: AllenG on 22/07/2008 16:54:35

I guess I know my tap water is clean then.





Was still hoping the cause was little bitty yetis.

Title: Re: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: graham.d on 22/07/2008 17:06:14

Wow! Paul, I'd never have guessed at that answer. Makes sense though. Also a good question.

Title: Re: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: Karen W. on 30/07/2008 05:50:41

I have never seen that before! That is a good answer and I to would never have figured it out!

Title: Why do my ice cubes produce stalagmites?
Post by: Bitsy on 07/06/2011 19:10:06

 [???] This still has me puzzled because it happens all the time in my freezer. To conserve on my electric bill, I have my fridge/freezer set at the highest temp without turning it off. Also, I use water filtered in a ZeroWater Pitcher. But it still happens. Is there another explanation?