Thanks to Terri Thompson of Liberty Hill for sending in some very cool photos of Ice Ribbons. Ice Ribbons (sometimes called Ice Flowers, or Frost Flowers) often form overnight during the late fall or early winter around Central Texas when the air is below freezing and the ground temperature is still above freezing. Plant stems draw moisture from the ground. The water and sap freeze inside the stem, causing long, thin cracks to appear. Moisture escapes through the cracks and quickly freezes. As more moisture is forced out from the crack, a very thin layer of ice extends outward, creating an Ice Ribbon. These Ice Ribbons are very thin and very fragile. Once the sun rises and hits them, they melt quickly. That's why you'll usually only notice them only under trees or in other shaded areas. Thanks, Terri, for the pictures!
Mark Murray
