A Different Kind of Ice Plant

When we left our campground early in the morning walking towards the next pass, we noticed all these bizarre ice formations.

There seems to be a connection between a particular plant (which, at this time of year, looks completely dry) and the icy curls growing around it.

Does anyone have an idea what this could be and how it is formed?

Ice Plant in Zanskar

Ice Plant Formation

Beautiful Ice Plant

7 responses to “A Different Kind of Ice Plant”

  1. avatar Thomas says:

    It seems I’m not the only one who’s overcome with curiosity. Amit, our Israeli friend, sent us this link with possible explanations on how these formations come into being.

  2. avatar ptcandal says:

    I call them “Ice Sculptures” and have been photographing them for ten years here in South Carolina at the edge of Mingo Creek swamp. Here they appear around the base and up the stem of the plant Thoroughwort, one of the eupatoriums. I have not seen them on anything else.

  3. avatar carrieannmarco says:

    One of my students from India sent me this link. Time lapsed photography and the Frost Flower.

  4. avatar Brittany says:

    Here is a time lapse video of how these are formed with a relatively simple explanation for the formation of these!

    BRQ

  5. avatar T Ish says:

    We are looking for good pictures of frost flowers to illustrate an article and like some of your pictures. Please contact us at the email address listed subject line frost flower photos
    Thank you,
    T Ish

    • avatar Tony says:

      Sorry, our content is not available for creationist literature. We at ContemporaryNomad.com often share our content with those who seek to advance the natural sciences as well as students and researchers working to protect the environment. It would be counterproductive to contribute to literature which seeks to undermine these efforts.

  6. avatar Kancha says:

    Inspiring . so inspiring! Love sieneg the images, and hearing the stories. Travel safe! I hope one day my wife and I can try the same journey!Jeff

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