How does segregated ice grow in frozen ground?

Segregated ice, also known as Taber ice, grows within frozen ground by drawing in water as the soil freezes. This process results in the formation of ice films, seams, lenses, pods, or layers that typically range from 0.15 to 13 cm (0.06 to 5 inches) in thickness.1

While observers generally agree on the principle that water is transported to a growing ice crystal, there is no complete consensus regarding the specific mechanics of this process. Segregated ice is the most extensive type of ground ice and can represent up to 75 percent of the ground by volume in certain locations. Unlike pore ice, which forms in situ from existing pore water without the addition of more water, segregated ice actively accumulates moisture during the freezing process.1