Needle ice
（重定向自Pipkrake）
![Needle Ice forming in a pile of red clay soil.](/Images/godic/202502/03/Needle_Ice0828.JPG")
0828.jpg")
![Packed needle ice](/Images/godic/202502/03/Frost_column_20828.jpg")
![Ice needles can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm)](/Images/godic/202502/03/Tall_Ice_needles0828.jpg")
Needle ice is a phenomenon that occurs when the temperature of the soil is above 0 °C (32 °F) and the surface temperature of the air is below 0 °C (32 °F). The subterranean liquid water is brought to the surface via capillary action, where it freezes and contributes to a growing needle-like ice column.