The ice formations at Saskatchewan Glacier include glacial ice and glacial caves. Firnification is the process of metamorphosing snow into glacial ice. Intermediate stages of the glacial ice are firn and neve. Firnification increases the density and forms hexagonal crystals through continuous recrystallization of the snow and ice. Glacial ice is usually bright blue or white. The blue colour seen in images A and B is due to the high density and crystalline structure. Continuous compaction increases the density of the ice by pressing out all the air bubbles over an extended period allowing large crystals to form. These large crystals absorb small amounts of red light and reflect the blue light. Glacial ice appears white when air bubbles are still present. Several factors lead to the formation of ice caves like the ones in images C and D including seasonal melt/freeze, temperature and flow velocity. Meltwater in the summer flows through drainage conduits at the base of the glacier eroding the surrounding ice and colder temperatures in the winter stabilize and reinforce the structure of the caves.