Subject: VRD - ice freezing on a pond

1) We noticed that when snow fell on a frozen pond, it seemed
>to weaken the ice--lessen its thickness, even though the temperature
>remained below freezing and it was not sunny.  Can you explain why this
>happened?
>
>2)Why does a pond freeze around the edges first and the center last,
>likewise why does a frozen pond mel around the edges first and the center
>last?
>
>3)Does the amount of surface area have an influence on the rate at which
>pond freezes?

Re: VRD - ice freezing on a pond