Book 30, Question 28 · Video
Why do bubbles get trapped in lake ice?
Lake water holds dissolved air, and the mud at the bottom of some lakes gives off bubbles of gas, mostly methane. As the lake freezes from the top down, rising bubbles get caught in the ice and freeze in layers, like stacked white coins. In a few lakes, such as Abraham Lake in Alberta, the bubbles are so large and plentiful that the ice looks like a frozen sky. Never walk on ice unless a grown-up says it is safe.
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do bubbles get trapped in lake ice?
The Big Idea
Frozen lakes sometimes have bubbles trapped in the ice! They look like stacked white coins. Why?
Dissolved Air
Step one: Dissolved Air. Lake water holds dissolved air. The mud at the bottom of some lakes also gives off bubbles of gas, mostly methane.
Caught in Ice
Step two: Caught in Ice. As the lake freezes from the top down, rising bubbles get caught in the ice. They freeze in layers, like stacked white coins.
A Frozen Sky
Step three: A Frozen Sky. In a few lakes, like Abraham Lake in Alberta, the bubbles are so large and plentiful that the ice looks like a frozen sky. Never walk on ice unless a grown-up says it's safe.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! In the water. Mostly methane. Stacked coins. Abraham Lake.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Fast freezing traps lots of tiny bubbles, which make ice look white or cloudy. Bubbles freeze in layers. Abraham Lake, Alberta. Never walk on ice alone.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, pour still water into one clear cup. Pour fizzy water into another. Freeze both. Compare the bubbles in the ice. Which one is cloudier?
Outro
Lake water holds dissolved air, and mud in some lakes gives off gas bubbles, mostly methane. As ice freezes from the top down, rising bubbles get trapped in layers like stacked white coins, and fast freezing makes cloudy ice. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!