1.
rime ice on trees; frost-covered trees; ice monsters
A natural phenomenon where supercooled water droplets freeze on contact with tree branches, coating them in layers of white ice. Creates dramatic, sculptural formations that are a popular winter tourist attraction in Japan.
山頂で美しい樹氷を見た。
I saw beautiful frost-covered trees at the summit.
蔵王の樹氷は冬の名物だ。
The ice-covered trees of Zao are a famous winter attraction.
今年は暖冬の影響で樹氷の成長が遅いらしい。
Apparently the rime ice formations are growing slowly this year due to the mild winter.
A compound of 樹 (tree) and 氷 (ice). The most famous 樹氷 in Japan are found at 蔵王 in Yamagata Prefecture, where they are nicknamed 樹氷モンスター or "snow monsters" (アイスモンスター). They form when strong winds carry supercooled water droplets from the Sea of Japan onto mountain trees.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 樹氷を見に行く: to go see the frost-covered trees
- 樹氷原: a field of frost-covered trees
- 樹氷ライトアップ: illuminated frost trees (tourist event)
RELATED TERMS:
- 霧氷: rime, frost on trees — a broader meteorological term that includes 樹氷
- 氷柱: icicle — ice formed by dripping water
- 霜: frost — ice crystals on the ground or surfaces