When the atmospheric conditions are right, tiny crystals of ice will form on objects. With water this is anywhere from an ambient air temperature of 38 degrees or colder.
Where I've been working, this phenomenon occurs, but the temperature is much warmer and the crystals are not ice: they're sulfur.
Here are some photos I took. Most are found inside the insulated lids of the concrete trenches, although they can form outside the trenches, if the conditions are right and the sulfur fumes are in a high concentration.
In Case You've Wondered
My blog is where my wandering thoughts are interspersed with stuff I made up. So, if while reading you find yourself confused about the context, don't feel alone. I get confused, too.
If you're here for the stories, I started another blog: scratchingforchange.blogspot.com
One other thing: sometimes I write words you refuse to use in front of children, or polite company, unless you have a flat tire, or hit your thumb with a hammer.
I don't use them to offend; I use them to embellish.
jescordwaineratgmail.com
I've only ever seen regular frost. I had no idea that sulfur could produce a kind of frost as well. Learn something new every day!
ReplyDeleteSulfur is fascinating, although the odor is not.
DeleteReminds me of the old adage "Don't eat yellow snow."
ReplyDeleteThe first time I saw it, the Frank Zappa song popped into my mind:
Delete"Watch out where the huskies go, and don't you eat that yellow snow,"
Some very cool shots. At least the stinky sulfur is photogenic.
ReplyDeleteSulfur, whether solid, molten, or as a crystal is brilliant and pleasant to the eye. Unfortunately, it's terribly unpleasant to the sense of smell, and dangerous.
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