jääpisaroista

Jääpisaroista, often translated as icicles, are formations of ice that hang from a surface and are typically triangular in shape. They are created when water, usually from melting snow or ice, drips from an edge and freezes. As more water drips and freezes, the icicle grows longer and more pointed.

The process of icicle formation requires specific conditions. There needs to be a source of water, such as melting snow or ice on a roof or a ledge. This water then needs to be exposed to freezing temperatures, typically below 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), as it drips. The slow dripping allows each layer of water to freeze before the next drop arrives, contributing to the elongated structure. The shape of an icicle is generally conical, tapering to a sharp point at the bottom, though variations exist depending on the rate of melting and freezing, as well as wind.

Icicles can be found in various natural and man-made environments where these conditions are met, most commonly during winter months in colder climates. While they can be a visually striking natural phenomenon, icicles can also pose safety hazards. Their weight can cause them to fall, potentially causing damage to property or injury to people. Therefore, careful attention is often paid to their removal from buildings and other structures during periods of freezing weather.