Ice crystal pattern on glass
Ice crystals and the stunningly beautiful patterns they make have always intrigued and mystified people. Nature brings to us one of her exquisite creations by weaving intricate patterns across a car windshield or a house windowpane. Modern science allows us to see the different shapes and patterns of ice crystals.
Dendritic Patterns
When scientists were finally able to see an ice crystal at its most basic element due to microscope technology, they found that it was disc-shaped, a very simple shape. Curiosity sent scientists looking for how this basic shape turned into the elaborate designs we can see on a frosty glass surface. They still do not know. Phrases such as "suddenly morphs" and "becomes unstable" are the only scientific statements of explanation available.
The disc-shaped ice crystal suddenly morphs into a dendritic (or treelike) pattern. The ice crystals begin to branch off from its center and create elaborate patterns. Variations in the pattern occur with the introduction of environmental imperfections, such as the swipe of a cloth and cleaning solution, the texture of the surface, debris and even air temperature and circulation changes along the glass surface.
Feather or Fern Pattern
The presence or absence of imperfections creates beautiful patterns. A very clean glass surface is a crucial component to creating feather or fern patterns. Another component is a cold and damp day when the air is saturated with water molecules. The pattern starts with hexagonal seeding crystals that catch along a microscopic scratch on the window. The multitude of water molecules attach themselves to the seed crystals in such a flurry that the creation of more seed crystals is inhibited. The molecules simply begin to attach and freeze to each other and rapidly build upon each other, creating this pattern. The molecules are unimpeded by surface debris because the glass is clean, and the result is patterns of ethereal feathers and ferns growing gracefully from their seed crystal stems.
Frostflower Pattern
This ice pattern actually looks like an exceptionally talented artist drew flowers on your window. Frostflowers have inspired creative people from many industries to recreate these beautiful patterns to use on fabrics and accessories. Glass companies have used etching and stained glass techniques to reproduce this pattern on their windows as well as on drinking glasses, dinnerware, vases and many other glass products.
There are many varieties of ice crystal frostflowers, and they can grow in many different environments. You can find them on a branch; they look like delicate white flowers made of long curling filaments that have unexpectedly bloomed from the tree during the course of a cold and frosty night.
Related posts
Antique glass vases can be found in a plethora of styles, sizes, designs and colors. The actual type of glass used varies as well, and many of the techniques used to produce antique vases continue...
Young children can absorb math ideas through fun activitiesMathematics, in essence, is a study of patterns. Children in head start programs are typically at the preschool level, which is too young...
Types of Birds in North AmericaNorth American birds include numerous types, colors and sizes. Many birds of prey, songbirds and others belong to the North American birds group.Boreal OwlBoreal owl...
A canary is a small songbird that was domesticated to be a companion bird for humans. Contrary to popular belief, a canary just isn't a small, yellow bird. There are several types of canaries that...
Budgerigar parakeets are popular pets that come in a variety of colors.Budgies are a popular type of parakeet, which, in turn, is a type of small parrot. Native to Australia, there is one species...
