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Posted in Wisconsin Natural Wonders, Nature January 07, 2021 by Daniella DiRienzo

A Natural Phenomenon, Rime Ice Has Been Popping Up In Wisconsin And It’s Breathtaking

During the winter season, the Wisconsin landscape changes drastically. But it’s not just snow that provides us with spectacular seasonal scenery. There’s also rime ice. The weather conditions have to be just right for rime ice to form, but the wait is well worth it. Take a look:

The next time the landscape boasts a wintry coating, take a closer look because it may not be snow at all. It may just be the natural phenomenon known as rime ice.

When the weather conditions are just right, rime ice accumulates on trees, fences, and other surfaces, resulting in some of the season’s most stunning sights.

Typically, it looks like ice needles or feathers, which appear white as the ice crystals scatter the visible light.

So, what exactly is rime ice? Well, according to the National Weather Service, it’s "an opaque coating of tiny, white, granular ice particles caused by the rapid freezing of supercooled water droplets on impact with an object."

In simpler terms, it’s formed by water droplets that are in fog when it’s below freezing.

Regardless of the reason for the ice’s formation, there’s no denying that it’s absolutely breathtaking!

At first glance, the soft, feathery crystals look quite similar to hoarfrost; however, the two aren’t exactly the same.

Like we mentioned before, fog is essential in the formation of rime ice. Hoarfrost, on the other hand, occurs when conditions are moist and below freezing but without any fog.

Check out the video below for a closer look at the stunning effect rime ice has had on the Wisconsin landscape.

So, did you know about this natural phenomenon? Have you spotted any rime ice recently? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only breathtaking side effect of winter. Read about another here.

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Address: Wisconsin, USA

Daniella DiRienzo

Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.