Some frozen waterfalls remain frozen in winter because, when the temperature is cold enough, moving water turns into ice, making the waterfall solid and immobile.
When temperatures remain very low for a long time, the flowing water begins to gradually lose its heat, cools down, and eventually freezes at the surface, then down to the core. The ice accumulates, layer upon layer, until it forms a frozen waterfall. The longer the cold period lasts, the deeper the frost settles, eventually slowing down and then completely stopping the flow. Once immobilized, the water no longer provides heat, thus facilitating the continuation of freezing deep down. The cold really has to last, because a brief drop in temperature is not enough to create this kind of spectacular scenery.
The flow of a waterfall, in other words, the amount of water passing a specific point over a given duration, greatly influences its ability to freeze or not. A waterfall with a low flow allows the water to come into contact with the cold air for a longer time, which promotes rapid freezing of the formation. You have probably noticed this in winter: small stagnant waterfalls or very thin streams end up freezing and taking on surreal shapes, whereas large torrents with high flow resist complete solidification for longer. The speed of the water also plays a role: the slower the water flows, the more easily it cools down to the freezing point. Conversely, fast-moving water remains agitated, which significantly limits the formation of ice crystals and therefore the total freezing of the waterfall.
A waterfall oriented to the north or situated in shade for most of the day will be more protected from the sun. Less exposed to direct heat, the water has more time to freeze quietly and form a thick layer of ice. In contrast, a waterfall facing south receives more direct sunlight, which limits its freezing or causes regular thaws. It is this alternation between sun and shade that explains why some waterfalls, even when close to each other, can be completely frozen or, conversely, have liquid water at the same time.
The presence of dissolved minerals in water alters its solidification behavior. Highly mineralized water, rich in mineral salts or calcium, will freeze more slowly than pure water. As a result, some waterfalls continue to flow slightly, even at significantly negative temperatures, while others with fewer minerals will quickly become frozen in ice. Conversely, specific minerals can promote the formation of ice in the form of crystals as temperatures drop. Less movement, less flow—and voilà, the waterfall freezes more easily!
Cold winds play a major role: they constantly remove the thin layer of warmth around the ice, thus accelerating its solidification process. In contrast, warm or steady winds can prevent a waterfall from freezing completely by continuously redistributing the milder air. Regarding microclimates, some waterfalls nestled in ensconced terrains, or surrounded by dense vegetation, benefit from a kind of protective bubble that keeps their temperature at a level conducive to prolonged freezing. These local microclimates, influenced by geography and topography, explain why even waterfalls very close to each other often display striking differences in ice formation.
In certain specific geographical locations, a waterfall that freezes every winter becomes a true seasonal tourist attraction, highly sought after by photographers and visitors.
The bluish or turquoise colors sometimes observed on frozen waterfalls come from the density of the ice, which absorbs the red wavelengths of visible light.
It can happen that the water beneath the frozen surface of a waterfall continues to flow slowly, creating a hollow structure behind the frozen wall called an 'ice curtain.'
In very harsh winter, it is possible to hear loud cracking sounds near frozen waterfalls, caused by the thermal contraction and expansion movement of the ice.
Yes, it can be very dangerous due to the risk of falling or sudden breaking of the ice. Ice climbing requires specialized equipment and the guidance of experienced professionals.
Yes, some waterfalls like the Fang waterfall in France or the Minnehaha Falls in the United States transform into incredible icy landscapes known worldwide every winter.
These typical hues often come from minerals dissolved in water or from the selective reflection and absorption of light by the compact structure of ice and its internal air bubbles.
Yes, when temperatures rise suddenly or under the direct action of sunlight, ice can melt quickly, bringing water movement back to life even in the middle of winter.
No, not all waterfalls freeze completely: it mainly depends on factors such as the initial water flow, sustained very low temperatures, and direct exposure to sunlight or wind.
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