abstract:Needle ice is a phenomenon that occurs when the temperature of the soil is above and the surface temperature of the air is below . The subterranean liquid water is brought to the surface via capillary action, where it freezes and contributes to a growing needle-like ice column.
Unfortunately for snow enthusiasts, the model found that the fragile needle-like ice crystals connecting the two layers can be broken easily and separated by the weight of new snow or a skier.