Frozen

Man its cold! Crunching with every step as if it had snowed over night. However the forecast was for clear skies, no wind or precipitation. The perfect conditions for frost. As darkness turned to light, a sea of white began to show. Everything from the tops of trees to smallest of grasses were covered in a thick layer of ice. The conditions for this frost had been perfect. Large ice crystals had formed reaching outwards up to 1/4” of an inch from the surface of plants. Like a kid in candy store, I began searching for the perfect subject to photograph. Everything was catching my attention! I couldn’t take a single step without noticing something new and intriguing.

Frost covered leaf

Ice crystals had formed into different shapes & designs. The next few photos are examples of frost commonly called needle ice. Needle ice is formed when moisture from the soil (which is above freezing 32°F) and is drawn upwards through tiny channels by capillary action and then freezes. All while the air temperature is below freezing, creating the tube-like structures.

Needle Ice

Needle Ice

Needle Ice

The next few images are examples of hoar frost. Hoar derives from old English referencing the look of hair and old age. Hoar frost forms when the moisture in the air comes into contact with the surface (thats below freezing 32°F). The moisture turns into ice through a process called deposition. It freezes so fast that it traps air, giving its opaque appearance.

Hoar Frost

Hoar Frost

Hoar Frost

Needle Ice & Hoar Frost

Hoar Frost

There are many reasons to rise up early before the sun. When its well below freezing here in eastern NC I like to go look for frost! It typically doesn’t last long, once the sun rises it quickly melts away. Have you ever seen frost like this before? Next time you wake up and your yard is covered in frost, be sure to take the time to look closely and enjoy its beauty!

I hope everyone had a great year and you have a even better 2025!

Happy New Year!!!

-Neil