Ice stupas
In Ladakh, streams carry little water when the fields need it. An ice stupa, a big cone of ice, helps.
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The idea
Step 1 of 4
- In winter, stream water runs down a pipe. It shoots out into the cold air.
- It freezes. Layer by layer, a cone of ice grows.
- In spring, the streams run low.
- The cone melts slowly. Its water goes to the fields.
A cone has less surface than a flat sheet of ice. The Sun reaches less of the cone. So the ice lasts longer.
An ice stupa freezes winter water into a cone of ice. The cone melts slowly and gives water in spring.