Ice Fractures on Candlewood Lake

Provided and copyright by: Steve Kluge
Summary author: Steve Kluge

The ice that formed on Candlewood Lake, in southwest Connecticut, in January of 2003 was remarkably clear, dark, and smooth. On this particular day, the ice averaged about 8 inches (20 cm) thick, and fractures that developed in the ice created these intricate patterns. Shearing forces, where the fractures took a turn, produced the multiple, roughly parallel, vertical fractures pictured here. The area of the photo covers approximately 2 square ft. (0.2 square m).

Related Links:

• Fox Lane High School Geoscience
• Ice textures and patterns
• The Formation of Star Patterns on Lake Ice
• About Lake Ice

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