why when water is turning into ice the surface is the first to freeze?

Answer 1

Two reasons:

1) The air gets colder faster than the water. Water near the surface cools most quickly because of conduction and radiation.
2) Water has maximum density at about 4°C, so as the lake cools a layer of low density water initially sits on top. Gradually, this layer cools and the cold, denser water goes to the bottom of the lake. Warmer water rises and is cooled as part of a cycle. . This causes a churn in the lake water as colder water goes to the bottom and warm water rises. Eventually, the whole lake is at a cold temperature and this point the upper layer is stable and can begin to freeze.

Answer 2

air is colder than the ground, e.g. lake or pond

the water is an insulator for the lake bed, therefore, the top freezes first as it is the coldest - the longer the air stays below freezing - the thicker the ice at the top -

Let's go skating!!!!!

have a great 2008

Answer 3

there is less heat in the air above (insulator), than in the liquid water below. in an ice cube tray, the sides of the tray actually act as insulators, which is why ice cubes freeze along the contact planes of the tray first, rather than on top

Answer 4

i agree with ziggle