Those Swirly Ice Formations on Puddles Actually Have a Name
Ever seen a beautiful puddle of ice that gives you the irresistible urge to stomp on it — just like falling into a pile of leaves? Turns out, that particular ice formation has a name.
Cat-ice, which is marked by pretty “contour lines” that make swirls or concentric circles in puddles or other small bodies of water, is named because the thin ice could only potentially bear the weight of a light-footed and agile cat.
Author Robert MacFarlane posted a photo on Twitter of a typical cat-ice formation as his “word of the day” on January 2.
Word of the day: "cat-ice" - a thin lid of brittle ice from beneath which water has receded or drained away, leaving a surface that might at best bear the weight of a light-footed cat. Often found in puddles, ruts, gutters or tidal creeks; often marked by 'contour lines'. pic.twitter.com/DmAOEi922x
— Robert Macfarlane (@RobGMacfarlane) January 2, 2018
Several users responded with their own examples of gorgeous formations, however no one seemed to test the theory that the ice could support a cat (lucky for cats everywhere). Some examples ranged from the very simple to the very intricate.
Am I right that this is what has happened here from a walk I went on a few weeks ago? pic.twitter.com/0o1Qs5JEWN
— Phil (@PhilMXII) January 2, 2018
Infinite variety...... pic.twitter.com/o2zCxtNzPz
— John Altringham (@JohnAltringham) January 2, 2018
Related: This Is the First Thing You Should Do If Your Flight Is Canceled or Diverted
It has a name! Brilliant, seen up on Dartmoor recently & yes, cat would have skated across where dog created havoc. Loved the way the contours mirrored the map. pic.twitter.com/y6g551m8sc
— dovegreyreader (@dovegreyreader) January 2, 2018
Lovely description, we have this quite often where we live. Cat-ice spiral on our loaning. Happy new year to all who enjoy this thread in the mornings. pic.twitter.com/JqnLYo3FKr
— Maggie Gordon (@barfilfarm) January 2, 2018
According to MacFarlane and other users who cited some literary references on Twitter, the ice formation is created when the surface of the water freezes and the water underneath begins to slowly recede, leaving a thin patch of delicate ice that looks like ripples.
Hello Phil - yes. The formation of the 'contour lines' happens with the recession and successive refreezes of the water below the lid, leading to this natural map-work.
— Robert Macfarlane (@RobGMacfarlane) January 2, 2018
“Old Time Gardens: Newly Set Forth” by Alice Morse Earle, 1901.
From https://t.co/oatilcAJjO pic.twitter.com/8i8poSVEC0— Adam B (@adambcqx) January 2, 2018
Other users shared how the ice is referenced in different parts of the world (or by their own families). For example, one user noted that it is called “witch circles” in Sweden. Which is possibly a much cooler name.
In some parts of Sweden this formation is called a witch circel.
— skogskant (@skogskant) January 2, 2018
Took this photo the other day and wondered about the reason for this puddle art. ‘Cat-ice’ - love it! ???? pic.twitter.com/qG815I5R6l
— elspeth (@elzbeth26) January 2, 2018
My son uses the term "stomp ice" https://t.co/DbvtFNR644
— Ian Lamont ??? (@ilamont) January 2, 2018
Author Joyce Carol Oates also tweeted her own, philosophical response to the formation.
Our lives are cat-ice. We must trod lightly. https://t.co/aG4q4AtC0X
— Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) January 2, 2018
Next time you see this ice formation, be sure to treat it delicately. Or, at least take an Instagram before you satisfyingly stomp it to pieces.
