How to Make Ice Stalagmites

Both icicles and ice stalagmites are formed by the same basic principle -- the gradual accumulation of layers of ice. However, while icicles are driven by gravity, upward spikes of ice are driven by an entirely different mechanism. As the surface of a body of water freezes, the top layer of ice traps the remaining water beneath it -- since water expands when it freezes, it is driven upward through a hole in the ice layer, gradually forming a spike of ice. By knowing the ideal conditions for spike formation, these stalagmites can be created intentionally.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer
• Thermometer
• Plastic ice cube tray
• Distilled water

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Place a thermometer near the center of the frost-free freezer and adjust the freezer temperature to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

   • 2

     Fill a plastic ice cube tray with distilled water -- tap water often has pollutants that inhibit spike growth. Put the ice tray in the center of the freezer. Remove any large objects present inside the freezer as they can block the flow of cold air.

   • 3

     Allow the water sufficient time to fully freeze before opening the freezer. A spike should form, protruding upward from the ice.