WITH JUST THE RIGHT CONDITIONS, WATER TURNS TO PHENOMEN-ICE
ICE, ICE BEA
LISA LEHMANN
KATHRYN A. KAHLER
Ice volcanoes form along the shores of large lakes when waves push water up through the cracks of ice shelves. If the air above is cold enough, the droplets freeze, splash to the surface and form a cone of ice. Photographer Lisa Lehmann caught this one at just the right moment on Lake Michigan near Racine.
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wnrmag.com
Some winters, nature brings air, wind and water together in just the right way. It’s those kinds of Goldilocks moments that create ice phenomena that make Wisconsin winters majestic. Time will tell if this winter brings that type of magic. Watch the shores of the Great Lakes or Lake Winnebago for ice volcanoes, arches, canopies, caves and shoves. Take a hike along a moving river, and you might see a perfectly formed ice circle making its way downstream. Or you may wake up one morning and be reminded of the difference between hoarfrost — when water vapor in the air freezes on surfaces — and
rime ice. The latter turned many areas of Wisconsin 50 shades of white last January as fog droplets froze and continued to build on shrubs, trees and fences. Check out these captivating images of ice phenomena from across the state over the years. Bundle up and head out to enjoy the state’s winter wonders. Snap some photos along the way to send to the magazine — email DNRmagazine@wisconsin.gov — or tag the DNR on social media. Kathryn A. Kahler is associate editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.
