Antarctica - Frozen Waves

Note: Originally, I thought my friend took these photos on a recent subsequent trip but apparently, he emailed them from an unknown source.

A couple friends from my Antarctica trip a few years back sent these pictures of what they say are frozen waves:

The water froze the instant the wave broke through the ice. Water freezes the instant it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the water is already some degrees below freezing. Just look at how the wave froze in midair!

Click on any image below to enlarge...

Technorati Tags: antarctica, frozen waves

Comments

[apa]

They sure are beautiful. When were those pictues taken? I did see some pictures from 2004.

[Peter Cunningham]

I cannot claim credit for this comment, but some fact is always worthwhile having in any subject. From a mate in Perth.

Assuming no graphic artwork involved, it is more the work of tidal upthrusting of sheet ice at the water land interface ("the tide crack" - as it is known) than any wave activity of the size suggested. Such waves do not occur on the shelf. The ice mass flattens out any sizeable waves, even in 100 knot blizzards, I can assure you - I've lived on it! Alternatively, it is the thawed snout of a glacier as it projects out onto the sheet ice. Alternatively it is a water washed bergy bit that has overturned. Sea water freezes at -4C. Whether it is contact with air or not is immaterial in this example.
Doug

[Andy Frazer]

Those photographs are amazing. But the accompanying story is an urban legend. There's no place on Earth, even in Antarctica, where it's cold enough to freeze a wave in mid-air.

[Cole]

That's amazing that could happen! How cold would it have to be for that to happen??

[Cheryl Johnson]

Look at http://www.snopes.com/photos/natural/antarcticwave.asp and read about these photos. They are true photos from Antarctica, but the explanation of why they look the way they do is inaccurate. These ice formations were formed more by melting than by freezing.

[patti]

http://www.snopes.com/photos/natural/antarcticwave.asp

[George T.]

These pics are being used by those who suggest that we have not impacted global weather; "The air is so cold it freezes a wave in mid air - how can global warming be a problem, go ahead and light off another barrel of oil..." Totally cool pics nonetheless. Thanks for sharing.

[Wander]

That is only feasable if the earth froze within a nanasecond of motion, Meaning catolyptical degrees being captured @ a designated moment