How is it possible for an ice-skater to skate across solid ice?

Question

Nathan Ashcroft · Accepted Answer

In fact, he skates on a layer of water.

When you put ice under pressure it becomes liquid. Since the surface area of the skate is very small, the weight of the skater creates quite a high pressure. This forms a tiny layer of liquid, on which the skate can move forward. Of course, right after the pressure is relieved, the ice will become solid again.

Nora Arzate · Answer

undefined An ice skater is able to skate across solid ice due to the phenomenon of **ice friction**. When an ice skate blade comes into contact with the ice surface, the pressure exerted by the blade causes a thin layer of ice to melt, creating a thin film of water between the blade and the ice surface. This layer of water significantly reduces the friction between the skate and the ice, allowing the skater to glide smoothly across the surface.

This process is known as **lubrication melting** or **regelation**. It occurs because the pressure exerted by the skater's weight lowers the melting point of ice, causing it to melt momentarily beneath the blade. As the skater moves forward, the melted water refreezes behind the blade due to the decrease in pressure, creating a thin layer of ice again. This continuous cycle of melting and refreezing enables the skater to maintain forward motion with minimal resistance.

Additionally, the sharp edges of the skate blade further reduce friction by minimizing the surface area in contact with the ice, allowing for smoother and more efficient movement.

Overall, it is the combination of pressure-induced melting, refreezing, and the design of the skate blade that enables an ice skater to glide effortlessly across solid ice.