Strange Ice Formation: Unusual Sundial-Shaped Ice Formed in Cat Bowl

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers around an unusual sundial-shaped ice formation observed in a cat bowl after rainwater froze overnight at temperatures around -2°C. The user speculates on potential causes, including the presence of a hair or spider web, and expresses confusion over the phenomenon. Participants in the discussion provide insights and reference a link to a resource on ice spikes, confirming that the formation is consistent with known ice crystal behaviors. The consensus is that the unique shape likely resulted from the properties of rainwater and freezing conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic meteorological concepts, particularly freezing temperatures.
  • Familiarity with the properties of water and ice, including freezing dynamics.
  • Knowledge of ice crystal formation, specifically ice spikes.
  • Ability to analyze visual phenomena in natural settings.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of ice crystal formation, focusing on "ice spikes".
  • Explore the effects of rainwater on freezing processes compared to tap water.
  • Investigate the impact of environmental conditions on ice formation in outdoor settings.
  • Learn about the role of impurities in water and their effects on freezing behavior.
USEFUL FOR

Pet owners, environmental scientists, and anyone interested in the natural phenomena of ice formation and freezing processes.

PhysCou
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Hi everyone!

My first post, so bear with me. I have a query that I didn't quite know who to ask about, and came across this site, so I hope this is the right place to put it.

My cat's bowl was left (empty) on the verandah and got caught in the rain yesterday afternoon. Overnight temperatures dropped to below freezing, but not much: I would guess to about -2 C, as it was just below -1 when I got up at seven o'clock. When daylight broke (and I could see the bowl) I noticed a strange sundial-shaped ice formation, and this is what has me flummoxed. I was so baffled that I took it in and stuck it in the freezer so I would have time to take some pictures.

What on Earth could have caused it? I have pondered this all day... a hair? ...a spider web? I cannot see anything inside the spike: it looks as if something jumped in or out of the water as it was freezing, but am well enough informed to realize that it would have to be a lot colder for that to happen, if it would be at all possible.

Since I am new to this I hope my attached pictures will upload properly, if they don't I will try again.

I am grateful for any insights.

Bye for now!
 

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    Outside 1.JPG
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  • In freezer 1.JPG
    In freezer 1.JPG
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I can't make any sense of it either. I suspect, like you, that "something" had to have been attached to the bowl at that angle to allow such a formation to build-up. At least that's my take on it. I would not have thought of a spider web had you not brought it up, but that ssems a reasonable candidate. Hmmm... just don't know.
 
That's a great link mender. I read it and it now makes sense. Nice job.
 
Good catch, Mender.
Rainwater is essentially distilled, so it makes sense.
 
Hello there, pallidin and mender!

Thank you so much both of you for responding to my query; I am grateful and feel I can sleep tonight without thinking about this any more...

And, mender, a special thanks for giving us the link with the pictures - they certainly look precisely like what I had in the bowl!

Bye for now!
 

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