Ice can take on a variety of forms in caves similar to the most common of depostional formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and curtains. These typically form from water flowing or dripping into the cave, and crystal faces aren't evident. More unusual forms such as harilike strands and hexagonal crystals may occur when ice freezes from water vapor. In almost any cave in areas that reach below freezing temperatures in winter, ice formations may be seen in entrance zones regardless of the ambient temperature further in the cave. Lava tubes often act as cold air traps, with cold winter air sinking and allowing ice formations to form that may persist well after surface temperatures have risen in the spring. As warmer air wafts through the cave, it may melt the ice into bizarre rounded shapes with bulbous tops known as schmos. The most spectacular ice formations are those in alpine caves where the cave's ambient temperature stays at or below the freezing point year-round. Eminent French speleologist Norbert Casteret termed these caves Glacieres. The english term for them is actually Ice Caves, to be ditinguished from Glacier Caves, One of the best known of these is the touristic Eisriesenwelt Cave in Austria. In the USA, few of these are known but perhaps the best-known is the undeveloped Fossil Mountain Ice Cave of Wyoming.

Broomstick ice stals in a lava tube

Massive ice deposits in a lava tube

Permanent ice can take on a blue-green cast.

Deflected ice stalactites and stalagmites in a lava tube

More ice images: select for a larger image.
1. Ice columns melted by warmer air currents
2. Large ice formations and sheet ice on the floor of a lava tube
3. Unusual ice needles probably formed from water vapor.
4. Schmos, ice stalagmites sculpted by air currents.

Get students interested in geology.  These kindergarten lesson plans will help you organize your earth science curriculum and include the most crucial information to your lesson plans.
 Getting kids into science is a worthwhile mission.

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	Created: December 14, 2006 Author: Dave Bunnell