News Earth

Here’s how ice needles sculpt patterns into cold, rocky landscapes

The curvature of ice needles gradually pushes rocks into clusters that form patterns

columns of ice mixed in with pebbles and dirt

Moisture in soil forms ice needles as the air reaches freezing temperatures. Needles of rising ice can push up pebbles and soil (pictured). When temperatures warm and the ice needles collapse, the pebbles fall, creating patterns.

MICHAEL BURZNYSKI

By Beth Geiger

- More than 2 years ago

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

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