Complex Frost Crystal in Silkeborg, Denmark

January 28, 2011

Blue_Frost_CrystalDenmark 
Photographer: Jesper Grønne; Jesper's Website
Summary Author: Jesper Grønne; Jim Foster

This intricate frost crystal was captured on a wooden fence in Silkeborg, Denmark. It's huge -- nearly 3/4 of an inch in diameter (2.0 cm). The temperature at the time was 5 degrees F (about -15 degrees C). When temperatures are cold, complex crystals are more likely to take shape than when conditions are warmer. In regards to crystal formation, vapor tends to move from warmer to colder areas and from higher to lower pressures. Of course, growth is enhanced when more vapor is available to condense on crystal protuberances. Photo taken on December 27, 2010.

Photo details: This is a stitch of four shots. A macro lens was used to capture this crystal -- a reverse 50 mm lens was used outside the 100 mm macro lens. Camera Maker: Canon; Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV; Focal Length: 100mm; Aperture: f/29.0; Exposure Time: 0.0050 s (1/200); ISO equiv: 1600; Exposure Bias: none; Metering Mode: Matrix; Exposure: Manual; Exposure Mode: Manual; White Balance: Auto; Flash Fired: Yes (Auto, return light detected); Orientation: Normal; Color Space: sRGB.