Ice-9 type transition

A term used to describe a runaway chain reaction, usually cataclysmic, such as that created by the fictional material ice-nine invented by Kurt Vonnegut.

This term has been used to describe:

• a feared outcome of the first atomic test, in which the energy released causes the atmosphere to ignite (fortunately, this proved not to be the case).
• Grey Goo
• Various End of the World events involving particle-accelerators.

See also

• Cat's Cradle