Ice penitentes form jagged patterns on Rongbuk Glacier during an Everest expedition, their shadows creating dramatic striations across the frozen surface. These blade-like ice formations result from intense solar radiation at high altitude, where sublimation carves ice into surreal shapes. The golden light catching the peaks contrasts with deep blue shadows in the troughs, demonstrating nature's sculptural power operating at extreme elevation. These formations can grow several meters tall in a single season.