Sunday, January 17, 2010

Something Interesting To Share









This morning we woke up to an amazing winter view.  Looking out the window it was hard to tell if it was snow or ice on everything.  Being married to a retired Science teacher, he informed me that what was visible on everything was something called "hoarfrost".  

Following is a definition:
Hoarfrost A deposit of interlocking ice crystals (hoar crystals) formed by direct sublimation on objects, usually those of small diameter freely exposed to the air, such as tree branches, plant stems and leaf edges, wires, poles, etc., which surface is sufficiently cooled, mostly by nocturnal radiation, to cause the direct sublimation of the water vapor contained in the ambient air.


We have seen the beauty that snow can leave on the landscape and everything around, as well as freezing rain, that can encrust everything it falls on, into shining crystal.  This was different from those and truly was amazing to see how it painted a different winter landscape.  


We drove around the area for about an hour just enjoying the changing pictures around each turn.  Every thing we saw was an amazing photo of its own. We are lucky to be surrounded by forest preserves and horse farms.  I took several photos of the things we saw and want to share just a few of them with you.  


MIke's simple explanation is the cold temperature mixing with the fog that was everywhere this morning.  Winter may be difficult for some to get through but it still delivers many beautiful sights.




2 comments:

  1. These pictures are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Living in Florida, this is something we don't get to see and I am amazed at how lovely it does look. These are great picture also. Thanks for visiting my blog and I look forward to following yours.

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