Encore - Frost Crystals on Georgian Bay, Ontario

Take a look back at some of the EPODs our viewers found particularly eye-catching. Today, and every Saturday, EPOD invites you to rediscover favorites from the past. Saturday posts feature an EPOD that was chosen by viewers like you in our monthly Viewers’ Choice polls. Join us as we look back at these intriguing and captivating images.
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Photographer: Heather Renyck
Summary Author: Heather Renyck; Jim Foster

The photo at top showing feathery frost crystals was taken near Meaford, Ontario, located on the southern edge of Georgian Bay. From a distance, the surface of the ice over the harbor looked like it was covered with popcorn (bottom photo). Frost of this type may form when a very cold wind blows over relatively moist surface; in this case the frozen surface of a harbor. "Wind frost" usually forms against the direction of the wind. The crystals' orientation on this day indicated that the winds were coming from the northwest -- typical for this time of year in Ontario. These miniature weathervanes grow by the accretion of water vapor onto their protruding surfaces. Photo taken on New Year's Day in 2009.

Meaford, Ontario coordinates: N44.6, W80.583333

Earth Observatory Image of the Day: "Great Lakes Starting to Freeze"