Cryosphere

From Wikipedia, "The cryosphere is the term which collectively describes the portions of the Earth’s surface..."

Quarter-sized hail after a particularly intense thunderstorm in State College, PA.

State College hail

Succession is causing Hickory Run State Park's Boulder Field to shrink, albeit quite slowly, as trees take root amongst the rocks.  The field, which is the size of ten football fields, is believed to have been formed during the last ice age.

Trees Encroaching on Boulder Field

Winter 2015 has had its share of days with below freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and freezing rain.  But some of the moments in the early morning sun show the beauty of this season.  This photo was taken on the historic Davis Estate along Rocky Run in Media, PA.

Winter scene at a stream

Winter 2014 is a season we won't forget very soon in Pennsylvania.  Southeastern Pennsylvania was hit especially hard, with periods of melting creating some impressive icicles, such as those seen here hanging from the room of Lachford Hall at Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA.

Icicles - representing the cryosphere in southeastern PA

The month of February is maple sugaring time, and Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA, has this sugar maple tree (Acer saccharum) tapped and ready to collect the sap to make their own maple syrup.

Maple Sugaring at Tyler Arboretum