We are always glad to hear readers’ opinions and grateful for corrections or clarifications on any topics we cover. Thanks to one astute reader for this letter regarding the January/February 2019 article, “Frozen Water in Belmont: Stories of Imagination and Unexpected Consequences” by Anne-Marie Lambert.
To the Editor,
Concerning the box on the bottom of page 17 on the molecular structure of water:
The statement, “The coldest and densest water in a pond is still at the bottom, but then floats to the surface as the hexagon ice crystals form” is incorrect.
Water has its maximum density at 4°C (just under 40°F). That is what the temperature at the bottom of the pond with ice on it will be. Going back to the above statement:
- Yes, the densest water in a pond is at the bottom.
- No, the coldest water is not at the bottom, but at the surface.
- Ice does not form at the bottom and float up, but forms at the surface.
Howard Herzog
MIT Energy Initiative
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.