Larry and Elisa: This same phenomenon happens once or twice each year in MN, and it happens the most often near the Great Lakes. Its a type of hoar frost, which is condensation that collects as gradually growing crystals over a period of a few hours. Crystal growth is directed by the wind, and occurs under condition of saturated humidity when but below freezing temperatures, when water can go directly from vapor to ice (without an intermediate of liquid water). Each crystal probably starts (or is nucleated) by a bacterium, most likely Pseudomonas syringae, which is an ice nucleation positive species of bacteria.
Lee Larry wrote: > Really nice photos! Lee would be the one to solve the mystery. Larry > > -- Eastern Native Tree Society http://www.nativetreesociety.org Send email to [email protected] Visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/entstrees?hl=en To unsubscribe send email to [email protected]
