# Why do my ice cubes do this?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-ice-cubes-do-this/47878
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [December 31, 2000, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-ice-cubes-do-this/47878 "2000-12-31T06:30:11Z")
**Posts on this page:** 3
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@IBBen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IBBen)
#### Post date: [December 31, 2000, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-ice-cubes-do-this/47878/1 "2000-12-31T06:30:11Z")
For the first time in 32 years I am observing an unusual occurence in my ice cube trays. My ice cubes are developing reverse icicles (for lack of a better term) Thin verticle spikes of frozen water protrude from my typically docile ice cube tray.
Only one explanation occurs to me: My freezer is very cold and as I make fresh ice, the water freezes rapidly and cracks, causing extremely cold water to shoot skyward, instantly freezing into the abovementioned formations.
Any ideas?
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### Author:  [@Cat\_In\_The\_Cape](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_In_The_Cape)
#### Post date: [December 31, 2000, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-ice-cubes-do-this/47878/2 "2000-12-31T06:36:27Z")
I think you have it pegged.
The thing that makes a difference is bubbles on the surface. These will be weak spots. The surface hardens, the center expands, and the bubble points provide an escape valve.
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### Author:  [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)
#### Post date: [December 31, 2000, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-my-ice-cubes-do-this/47878/3 "2000-12-31T07:58:40Z")
We’ve discussed this before in [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=27434)