Natural ice in mild winters – How do you make ice when it barely freezes?
This UT FieldLab experiment falls under the theme Water cycle and climate. View all experiments related to this theme.
Introduction
How do you keep the Dutch skating tradition alive in an era of increasingly mild winters? This experiment investigates how to make natural ice rinks freeze faster, even at temperatures around zero. It’s a collaboration between science, sport, and technology – with one goal: making skating possible in a changing climate.
What are we researching?
We aim to discover which surface freezes into a skateable ice layer the fastest. We test four basins with different asphalt types, thicknesses, and an insulating layer of foam concrete. Sensors measure how quickly each basin cools and freezes under marginal frost conditions. This knowledge helps ice clubs prepare their rinks more efficiently and increase the chances of natural ice.
How does it work?
At the UT FieldLab, four test basins have been built, each with a unique combination of materials. Sensors continuously record temperature differences in the subsoil and at the surface. Analysing this data reveals which construction cools fastest and forms the best ice. The results will be compiled into a handbook for ice associations, providing practical guidelines for building combined and natural ice rinks in milder winters.
Why is this important?
The likelihood of prolonged frost is decreasing, but the demand for natural ice remains. By testing innovative solutions, we ensure that skating on natural ice remains possible in the future. This research combines sporting tradition with scientific knowledge and contributes to climate-resilient recreation.