15 MOST Unusual Ice Formations Ever Found
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00:00From unusual ice lagoons to crystal ice caves and crazy-looking ice circles, today I'm
00:07counting down 15 of the most unusual ice formations ever found.
00:11Let's start with number 15, Frozen Moose.
00:14In Alaska, a truly bizarre and rare sight emerged.
00:18Two bull moose locked in combat, their antlers intertwined in a deadly struggle, frozen beneath
00:25the ice.
00:26It's a scene straight out of a tale of survival and the brutal reality of nature, one that
00:30would be hard to believe if it wasn't for the undeniable evidence.
00:34These moose were likely engaged in a fierce battle over a mate.
00:37Moose, especially during rutting season, can become incredibly aggressive, driving the
00:41primal urge to assert dominance and win the right to breed.
00:45Their antlers, which can span up to six feet, are not just for show, but they are formidable
00:50weapons in these duels.
00:51However, in this rare instance, this fight turned tragic.
00:55Their antlers became so tightly locked together that neither could break free.
00:59In their struggle, it's believed that one moose, possibly weakened by the fight, was
01:02dragged into the water by the other.
01:05Unable to escape, both animals drowned, and their final moments are an example of the
01:09ferocity of this mortal combat.
01:11The chances of this exact scenario happening are extraordinarily slim.
01:15For two moose to engage in such a fight, becoming irreversibly entangled and then have their
01:20bodies preserved in ice is an alignment of events that seems almost impossible.
01:25And yet, it happened.
01:26The freezing process would have been relatively quick in the harsh Alaskan winter, where the
01:30temperatures can plummet rapidly.
01:32As the water began to freeze, it would have created a layer of ice around the moose, sealing
01:36them in place.
01:37Over time, more layers would have formed, gradually building up until the moose were
01:41completely entombed.
01:42The clear ice preserved by the constant cold here would have kept the bodies in an almost
01:46pristine state, a snapshot of the moment of their demise.
01:5114.
01:53The New Hampshire Ice Caves In the frigid heart of New Hampshire's White
01:57Mountains, a wonder rises from the snowy landscape each winter – the ice castles.
02:03These ethereal structures, with their caves, tunnels, fountains, slides, and towering icicles,
02:09are an amazing display of nature and human artistry.
02:12But how does such a thing come into existence, and what's the strange allure that draws
02:15thousands to witness this chilly splendor?
02:18The ice castles project began as a whimsical experiment in Utah, where Brent Christensen,
02:24seeking to entertain his children, constructed an ice cave in his yard.
02:29What started as a simple family project soon blossomed into a larger-scale endeavor, capturing
02:33imaginations of visitors and inspiring similar creations in other wintry locations, including
02:38New Hampshire.
02:39Now, the creation of these ice castles is a labor-intensive process that relies on the
02:43natural properties of water and freezing temperatures.
02:46It all starts with a network of drip pipes strategically placed to create the seeds of
02:51the castle, small icicles that form the foundation of the entire structure.
02:55As these icicles grow, artisans carefully harvest and arrange them, gradually building
02:59up the walls and tunnels and sculptures that make up the castle.
03:03Around 12,000 new icicles are added each day, and they're meticulously shaped and positioned
03:08by hand, resulting in a structure that can weigh over 20 million pounds by the time it's
03:13complete.
03:14This ice forms intricate patterns on the walls, and every surface seems to shimmer with a
03:19crystalline beauty.
03:21Visitors can wander through these ice-carved tunnels, slide down frozen chutes, and marvel
03:25at the fountains that send streams of water arcing into the cold air, only to freeze again
03:30mid-flight.
03:31As night falls, the castle takes on a magical quality, illuminated from within by LED lights
03:36that bathe the ice in a soft, otherworldly glow of pastel hues, turning this entire structure
03:42into a work of art.
03:4513.
03:46Vatnajokull Glacier Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Iceland
03:51and one of the most expansive ice caps in Europe, is a frozen giant that conceals a
03:56world of fiery secrets beneath the surface.
04:00Covering approximately 10% of Iceland, this glacier is not just a colossal sheet of ice,
04:05but it's a dynamic and complex landscape where the forces of fire and ice coexist.
04:10This seemingly serene expanse of ice, which can reach a thickness of over 3,000 feet in
04:14some areas, hides multiple active volcanoes beneath.
04:18The glacier's name, Vatnajokull, literally translates to Glacier of Lakes, which hints
04:24at the complex hydrological system hidden beneath the surface, but what truly sets it
04:28apart is the presence of these subglacial volcanoes.
04:31The interaction between the ice and these volcanic forces have given rise to one of
04:35the most unique geological phenomena on the planet, subglacial eruptions.
04:40The intense heat from the magma melts the overlaying ice, creating large pockets of
04:44water trapped beneath the glacier.
04:46This meltwater can accumulate until the pressure becomes too great, eventually causing the
04:50ice to burst open in a catastrophic event known as a jökullhopp, or glacial lake outburst
04:56flood.
04:57These floods can unleash billions of gallons of water in a matter of hours, sweeping across
05:02the landscape with devastating force.
05:05One of the most significant ones happened in 1934, when 15 cubic kilometers of water
05:10were released in just a few days, dramatically reshaping the landscape.
05:15In 1996, an eruption beneath Grimsvoten caused a massive flood that swept away roads and
05:20bridges, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
05:23But more recently, in May of 2011, another eruption sent a plume of ash 17 kilometers
05:28into the sky, disrupting air travel across Europe and reminding the world of the volatile
05:33forces lurking beneath the glacier on Iceland.
05:3612.
05:38Snow Rollers Snow rollers are a rare and fun phenomenon
05:43that happens under a precise combination of winter conditions.
05:46These curious formations, often resembling giant Swiss rolls or donuts, seem almost as
05:51if they were crafted by unseen hands.
05:54However, snow rollers are entirely the product of nature, sculpted by the wind and snow in
05:59a delicate balance of forces.
06:01They're found primarily in regions of northern Europe and North America, particularly in
06:05states like Illinois and Ohio.
06:07These snow rollers are both a visual marvel and an example of the complexity of winter
06:11weather.
06:12First and foremost, there's got to be a layer of snow on the ground, but not just any snow
06:15will do.
06:16The top layer needs to be wet and sticky, just at the edge of melting, while beneath
06:21it lies a layer of powdery, less cohesive snow.
06:24This combination is essential because the sticky top layer provides the substance needed
06:28to form the roll, while the powdery layer underneath allows the snow to move freely
06:33without sticking to the ground.
06:35Wind plays a critical role in the formation of snow rollers.
06:38It's got to be strong enough to initiate the rolling process, but gentle enough not
06:42to destroy the delicate structure as it forms.
06:45As the wind blows across the snow, it begins to push the top layer into a roll, much like
06:49how one might roll a carpet.
06:52As the roll gains momentum, it picks up more snow, growing in size with each rotation.
06:56The end result is a hollow cylinder, sometimes large enough to be mistaken for a man-made
07:00snow sculpture.
07:02These rolls can vary in size, too, from just a few inches to several feet in diameter,
07:06depending on the strength of the wind and the amount of snow available.
07:10Like many natural phenomena, though, snow rollers are fleeting.
07:13As temperatures rise or the wind changes direction, these delicate formations can quickly disintegrate,
07:19leaving no trace of their existence.
07:2211.
07:23ICE VOLCANOES OF LAKE MICHIGAN Ice volcanoes, a peculiar winter phenomenon
07:29along the shores of Lake Michigan, defy the typical associations one might have with the
07:34term volcano.
07:35Unlike their fiery counterparts, which spew molten rock and ash from deep within the earth,
07:40these ice formations are born from the freezing waters of the lake and the relentless battering
07:45of winter waves.
07:46They're found along the coastline, particularly at places like Oval Beach.
07:50These towering mounds of ice emerge each year.
07:53First and foremost, temperatures must plummet well below freezing, often dipping to 20°F.
07:58At the same time, the lake must be subjected to significant wave action, which is the crucial
08:02component of the formation process.
08:05As the waves crash against the shore, they splash cold water onto sandbars or other shoreline
08:10features, where it begins to freeze almost immediately.
08:13This creates the foundation of what will eventually become an ice volcano.
08:17Over time, as more and more ice accumulates, these mounds grow taller and broader, sometimes
08:22reaching heights of up to 10 to 15 feet.
08:25The continual splashing of waves adds another layer of ice to the mounds, gradually shaping
08:29them into these conical structures that bear a striking resemblance to traditional volcanoes.
08:35Despite their name, ice volcanoes don't erupt with lava or ash.
08:38Instead, they periodically erupt with icy water, creating a spectacle that's eerie
08:44and mesmerizing.
08:45The structure of an ice volcano often includes a small opening or slit on the side facing
08:49the lake.
08:50As the waves hit the mound, they force water up through that opening, creating a spout
08:54that can resemble a geyser.
08:5710.
08:58Ice Circles Ice circles, also known as ice discs, ice
09:03pans, ice pancakes, or ice crepes, are among nature's most mysterious and rare phenomena.
09:10These thin, circular slabs of ice, often rotating gently on the surface of a body of water,
09:15are a captivating sight that evokes some wonder.
09:19Occurring primarily in cold climates with slow-moving water, ice circles are a fleeting
09:23spectacle.
09:24The formation of these ice circles is a delicate interplay of physics and environmental conditions.
09:29Typically, these discs form on the outer bends of rivers, where the water's acceleration
09:34creates a force known as rotational shear.
09:38This force then causes a chunk of ice to break off and begin to spin slowly.
09:42As the disc rotates, it grinds against the surrounding ice, smoothing itself into a near-perfect
09:47circle.
09:48Although uncommon, the phenomenon has been recorded as far back as 1895, with one of
09:52the earliest known sightings documented on the Mianus River in a Scientific American
09:56report.
09:57There are several types of these formations related to ice circles, including the ice
10:00pans, which form in the center of lakes or creeks, rather than along the edges.
10:05Ice pans begin as clusters of phrasal ice, tiny loose ice crystals that coalesce in the
10:09cold water.
10:10These formations can grow in size, eventually becoming heavy, thick blocks of ice known
10:14as hanging dams.
10:17While these related phenomena are pretty fascinating in their own right, it's the perfectly circular
10:21ice disc ones that continue to capture people's attention.
10:25Interestingly, ice circles tend to rotate even when formed in water that appears still.
10:30This rotation is driven by the interaction between the ice and the surrounding water.
10:34The disc cools the water beneath it, causing that water to become denser and sink, creating
10:39a circular current that maintains the disc's rotation.
10:43This subtle yet powerful natural mechanism underscores the delicate balance of forces
10:48at play in the formation of these icy wonders.
10:529.
10:53Lake Erie Storm During a recent severe winter storm, lakefront
10:58homes in Crystal Beach, Ontario, found themselves engulfed in an extraordinary layer of ice.
11:04This event, a result of a particularly intense blizzard, transformed the homes along Lake
11:08Erie into frozen monuments encased in the thick, spiky coat of ice that stretched from
11:14their rooftops down to the ground.
11:16The formation of this ice encasement began with a combination of extreme weather conditions
11:21As the blizzard battled the region, winds whipped across Lake Erie at speeds of up to
11:2560 miles an hour, creating towering waves that reached heights of over 25 feet.
11:30These waves, laden with supercooled water, crashed violently against the break walls
11:34protecting the homes.
11:36The frigid temperatures, plummeting to single digits and about 20 degrees below average
11:40for that time of year, caused this water to freeze almost instantaneously upon contact
11:45with any surface.
11:46The result was a rapid accumulation of ice on the homes, with layers forming as thick
11:51as a foot.
11:52The freezing spray, propelled by the storm's strong winds, adhered to every exposed surface,
11:57including eaves, windows, and walls.
12:00The process of this ice accumulation was so swift and extensive that the homes became
12:04encased in a frozen shell, creating a dramatic visual reminiscent of a scene from a winter-themed
12:10fantasy film.
12:11The weight of the ice put a substantial stress on the buildings, raising concerns among residents
12:16about potential structural damage.
12:18In addition to the physical impact, the encasement also led to potential flooding risks.
12:22As the temps began to rise and the ice started to thaw, the melting snow and ice could result
12:26in significant water pooling, potentially leading to further damage and flooding.
12:328.
12:33GRASSHOPPER GLACIER Grasshopper Glacier, located about 70 miles
12:38southwest of Billings, Montana, in the Beartooth Mountains of Custer National Forest, stands
12:43out as a unique and enigmatic natural formation.
12:46Situated at an elevation of 11,000 feet above sea level, this glacier is distinguished by
12:51its unusual appearance and fascinating history.
12:54It's renowned for its distinctive dark coloration, which contrasts sharply with the pristine
12:59white typical of most glaciers.
13:01This unusual feature arises from the tens of millions of grasshoppers, specifically
13:06Rocky Mountain locusts, that have been preserved within the glacier's layers.
13:11These locusts, trapped by these ancient climatic events, give the glacier an appearance likened
13:15to the skin of an elephant.
13:17This glacier was first documented in the early 20th century by geologist J.P. Kimball.
13:22Upon sending samples to the U.S. Bureau of Entomology, it was identified that the entombed
13:26insects were Rocky Mountain locusts, a species that had become extinct over a century ago.
13:32This grasshopper glacier once extended over five miles in length, but it has significantly
13:36receded due to some climate change.
13:39Today, though, it measures less than a quarter mile long and a quarter mile wide.
13:43The glacier now comprises several smaller ones, each occupying different north-facing
13:46areas.
13:47The ongoing impact of global warming has accelerated the melting here, reducing its size and leading
13:52to the decomposition of many grasshopper specimens before they can be studied.
13:56The surface here reveals a fascinating array of these preserved locusts, offering some
14:00insights into the past ecological conditions and behavior of these long-extinct species.
14:05However, access to the glacier is pretty challenging due to the remote location and harsh weather
14:09conditions here.
14:11Travelers have to navigate off-road paths and undertake a strenuous hike to even reach
14:15the glacier, with the access road often impassable for up to 10 months each year.
14:20Moving on to number 7, Narusawa Hyoketsu.
14:24Narusawa Hyoketsu, located on the island of Honshu in Japan, is a remarkable natural wonder
14:30distinguished by its icy formations.
14:33This lava cave, formed by volcanic activity from the nearby Mount Fuji, offers a striking
14:38contrast to the surrounding landscape.
14:41It is one of the largest and most impressive lava caves in Japan, originating from a volcanic
14:45eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 AD.
14:48The cave is located within the Aokigahara Forest, a dense and mysterious woodland often
14:53referred to as the Sea of Trees.
14:56This cave not only stands out for its size, but also for its spectacular ice formations.
15:01The cave measures approximately 512 feet in length and descends to a depth of 70 feet.
15:06It was created when lava flowed through an underground channel, leaving behind a hollow
15:11tunnel after the lava solidified and the surrounding rock cooled.
15:15The average temperature inside here hovers around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is crucial
15:19for the formation and preservation of the ice formations.
15:22The conditions within the cave allow the water to drip through the rock, freezing into long,
15:27spindly icicles and large ice pillars.
15:30Some of these ice formations can reach up to 100 feet in height, and during the winter,
15:34these formations become even more pronounced, with icicles extending up to 3 feet long.
15:39The interplay of light on the crystal-clear ice creates a kaleidoscope of colors, enhancing
15:45the cave's otherworldly beauty.
15:47The cave's entrance is equipped with stairs that descend into the cavern, with some areas
15:51requiring visitors to crouch to navigate through the narrower passages.
15:55The cave remains a popular destination for those interested in exploring Japan's unique
15:59volcanic landscape and experiencing the breathtaking beauty of its natural ice formations.
16:056.
16:07Blue Icebergs So, instead of the familiar white or grayish
16:12tones, these glaciers are bathed in a striking blue hue, creating scenes of almost surreal
16:18beauty.
16:19This phenomenon, known as blue glaciers, is more than just a visual marvel, it's an example
16:24of the intricate interplay of light, ice, and time.
16:27This blue coloration is a direct result of the way that light interacts with the dense
16:31ice.
16:32When snow accumulates over centuries, it eventually compacts into glacial ice.
16:36This process, which can take thousands of years, forces out the air trapped within the
16:40snowflakes, resulting in a much denser and purer form of ice.
16:44Longer wavelengths of light, such as red and orange, are absorbed by the ice, while the
16:48shorter wavelengths, particularly blue, are scattered and transmitted back to the observer's
16:53eye.
16:54The scattering of this blue light is what gives the glaciers their distinctive color.
16:57The age and density of the ice play a critical role in the intensity of the blue.
17:02Older glaciers, having undergone extensive compression over millennia, contain less air,
17:07and thus more capable of refracting blue light.
17:10These ancient ice formations, often found in the polar regions of Greenland, Antarctica,
17:14and Alaska, exhibit a deep, vivid blue that can appear almost electric in intensity.
17:19In terms of color and hue, these glaciers can range from a pale, almost turquoise blue
17:24to a rich, sapphire-like shade, depending on the thickness of the ice and the angle
17:28of the sunlight.
17:29In some regions, such as Patagonia or Iceland, visitors can explore ice caves and crevices
17:34where the blue hues are particularly pronounced, offering a glimpse into the glacier's deep
17:39and ancient core.
17:40When icebergs split off from these glaciers, the freshly exposed ice often reveals brilliant
17:45blue tones, creating a stark contrast against the surrounding white sea ice or dark ocean
17:51waters.
17:535.
17:54Lake Abraham Floating along the foothills of the Canadian
17:58Rockies, Lake Abraham is a place where nature's serene beauty meets an underlying danger.
18:04Located in Alberta, Canada, this man-made lake was created in 1972 with the construction
18:09of the Bighorn Dam on the North Saskatchewan River.
18:12While the lake boasts the stunning blue waters typical of glacial-fed lakes in the Rocky
18:16Mountains, it's what lies beneath the icy surface that has captivated outdoor enthusiasts
18:22and photographers from around the world, the surreal frozen methane bubbles.
18:28Methane bubbles formed from the decay of organic matter at the lake's bottom rise up through
18:32the water.
18:33As these bubbles ascend, they become trapped in the layers of ice, freezing in place and
18:37creating stacks of milky white orbs that seem to float in suspended animation.
18:42The formation of these frozen methane bubbles is a product of both natural processes and
18:46the lake's artificial origins.
18:49When the lake was flooded to create the reservoir, the existing vegetation and organic material
18:53at the bottom began to decay.
18:56Bacteria in the lake bed fed on this organic matter, releasing methane gas as a byproduct.
19:00That's the gas that rises to the surface where it meets the freezing temperatures and
19:04is trapped in the ice.
19:05However, the beauty of these bubbles belies a hidden danger.
19:09Methane is a highly flammable gas and the frozen bubbles are essentially pockets of
19:13trapped methane waiting to be released.
19:16If the ice were to crack and release the gas, lighting a match or even smoking a cigarette
19:20nearby could lead to an explosive reaction.
19:23While the likelihood of an event is low, the potential for danger adds an element of risk
19:27to an otherwise tranquil scene.
19:30Moreover, methane is a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential significantly greater
19:34than that of carbon dioxide.
19:36The release of methane from lakes like Abraham contribute to the overall increase in atmospheric
19:41greenhouse gases, which is a growing concern for climate scientists.
19:45As permafrost around the world continues to thaw, more methane is being released into
19:49the atmosphere, accelerating the effects of global warming.
19:534.
19:54Tule Lake Crystal Ice Cave Deep under California's Lava Beds National
20:00Monument is an example of volcanic forces that have shaped the region for millions of
20:04years.
20:05The monument, located near the Medicine Lake Shield volcano, is a labyrinth of over 800
20:11caves.
20:12Visiting these caves, one stands out for its beauty and the rare natural phenomenon it
20:16harbors, the Crystal Ice Cave.
20:19It is a marvel of nature, a subterranean wonder that shows some of the most spectacular ice
20:24formations found in any cave system in the world.
20:27The cave extends nearly 960 feet in length and plunges as deep as 150 feet below ground,
20:33creating a hidden world where ice reigns supreme.
20:37As winter descends and the temperatures plummet, water seeps into the cave from the surface.
20:41This water slowly freezes, forming an array of ice stalactites, stalagmites, and even
20:45frozen waterfalls that can reach impressive sizes.
20:49The result is a dynamic, ever-changing landscape of ice that looks like something straight
20:53out of a fantasy novel.
20:55Access to the Crystal Ice Cave is highly restricted due to the fragility of the ice formations
20:59and the potential danger posed by the cave's environment.
21:02Tours are typically offered only during the winter months, from January through March,
21:06and they're limited to small groups to minimize the impact on the cave's microclimate.
21:11In recent years, however, the future of the Crystal Ice Cave has become uncertain.
21:15Warmer winters and fluctuating temperatures have led to a decline in the size and stability
21:19of the ice formations.
21:20In 2020, the National Park Service was forced to cancel tours due to the unusually high
21:25temperatures that prevented the ice from forming properly, leaving parts of the cave wet and
21:30too dangerous to explore.
21:32This has raised concerns about the long-term preservation of the cave's unique ice formations.
21:383.
21:39Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers Over on New Zealand's South Island, Fox
21:44Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier stand as two of the most extraordinary ice formations in
21:49the world.
21:50Fox Glacier, known in Maori as Te Maueka o Toaue, and Franz Josef Glacier, known as Ka
21:56Rui Mata or Hinehukatere, are temperate maritime glaciers, dressing over 8 miles and 7.5 miles
22:02in length, respectively.
22:04Unlike many glaciers found in more polar regions, these two descended from the southern Alps
22:08to a mere 980 feet above sea level, a remarkably low altitude for such massive ice flows.
22:15Fox Glacier descends from an altitude of 8,500 feet, while Franz Josef Glacier is situated
22:20over 8,200 feet above sea level, covering an area of over 7 square miles.
22:25The movement of these glaciers over the millennia has left a profound impact on the landscape.
22:30Both glaciers have carved deep valleys through the mountains, leaving behind a series of
22:34moraines, piles of rocks and debris deposited by the retreating ice.
22:39These moraines have shaped the local topography, creating hills, lakes, and other features.
22:43For example, Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier and Lake Wombat near Franz Josef Glacier were
22:48both formed as kettle lakes created by the chunks of ice left behind in the moraines.
22:53The glaciers have also played a vital role in reshaping the region's ecosystems.
22:58The sequence of vegetation ranges from bare rock, exposed only a decade ago, to fully
23:02established forest on rock exposed centuries ago.
23:06The glaciers' movement also poses certain risks to the area.
23:09Both Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers have experienced glacial outburst floods, when water trapped
23:14in the tunnels beneath the glaciers suddenly bursts out.
23:18Such an event can carry large chunks of ice and debris, wreaking havoc on infrastructure.
23:23For example, the Waiho River, which flows from the Franz Josef Glacier, has seen several
23:27destructive floods over the years, including one in March of 2019 that destroyed a crucial
23:31bridge, cutting off access to the area for several days.
23:352.
23:37Heinebergsalon Heinebergsalon, a relatively lesser-known
23:41glacial lagoon, is within the expansive Vatnajökull National Park in Iceland.
23:46Covering roughly 14% of the country, Vatnajökull National Park is a landscape of striking contrasts.
23:53The name Heinebergsalon translates to Heineberg's Lagoon, a title reflecting its origin from
23:58the Heinebergsjökull Glacier, which was part of the colossal Vatnajökull ice cap.
24:02This glacier-fed lagoon was formed as meltwater from the glacier pooled into a basin, a process
24:07that is both ancient and still ongoing.
24:10At Heinebergsalon, however, the lagoon's depth of over 330 feet allows sediment to settle
24:15at the bottom, leaving the surface water pristine and transparent.
24:19What makes it particularly unusual is the contrast in its iceberg dynamics compared
24:23to the more famous glacial lagoons at Jökulsalón.
24:26While Jökulsalón's icebergs often tip over dangerously due to warmer, ocean-fed waters
24:31melting them from below, Heinebergsalon's icebergs melt at the top down.
24:36This difference in melting behavior is critical as it reduces the likelihood of sudden iceberg
24:40tipping.
24:41This is more than just a picturesque location, it plays an essential role in the local ecosystem.
24:46The cold, clear waters here support a unique array of aquatic life, while the surrounding
24:51area provides habitat for reindeer and seals.
24:54However, like many of Iceland's natural wonders, Heinebergsalon's not immune to the impacts
24:59of some climate change.
25:00Rising global temperatures are causing glaciers across Iceland to retreat, threatening the
25:05very existence of lagoons like this one.
25:08According to glaciologist M. Jackson in his book The Secret Lives of Glaciers, Iceland's
25:12glaciers could shrink by at least a quarter of their current volume within the next 50
25:16years.
25:17This reduction in ice mass would not only alter the landscape, but also disrupt the
25:21delicate ecosystems that depend on them.
25:251.
25:26Brinicles Brinicles, often referred to as underwater
25:31icicles of death, are one of the most bizarre and eerie ice formations known to science.
25:37They're found in the polar oceans of the Arctic and Antarctic.
25:40These ghostly, descending tubes of ice project downward from the sea ice above, creating
25:46another worldly sight in the frigid depths.
25:49But what exactly are these things, and how do they form?
25:51Well, a brinicle begins to form when the sea ice starts to freeze at the surface of the
25:55ocean.
25:56As this happens, the salt in the water is excluded from the forming ice crystals, creating
26:01pockets of extremely salty and cold water, known as brine, within the sea ice.
26:06Over time, this brine accumulates in fractures and crevices within the ice.
26:10Eventually, the sea ice cracks, allowing the brine to leak out and descend into the ocean.
26:15Because the brine is denser and colder than the surrounding seawater, it sinks rapidly
26:19towards the seafloor, and as it does so, the super-cold brine freezes any water it comes
26:23into contact with, forming a sheath of ice around itself, a brinicle.
26:29Imagine an icicle hanging down from the roof of a house, except that instead of forming
26:32from dripping rainwater, the brinicle grows downwards from the sea ice above, extending
26:37deep into the ocean.
26:38Now, they are incredibly delicate structures, forming only in calm, cold, and relatively
26:43still waters.
26:44They're also pretty rare, requiring very specific conditions to grow, namely the right
26:48combination of cold temperatures, salty brine, and minimal water movement.
26:52These frigid environments provide the perfect conditions for formations, with sea ice and
26:57extremely cold temperatures being essential.
26:59As fascinating as brinicles are, they also have a darker side.
27:03The nickname underwater icicle of death isn't just for show, these formations can be lethal
27:08to small marine creatures that get too close.
27:12When a brinicle reaches the seafloor, it forms a pool of concentrated, freezing brine that
27:17spreads out, encasing everything in its path in ice.
27:20Now, while the sight of small creatures succumbing to the icy grip of a brinicle might sound
27:24like something out of a horror movie, the reality is that brinicles are a very localized
27:29phenomenon.
27:30They're only dangerous to the small animals that happen to be in the wrong place at the
27:34wrong time, and they're not a significant threat to any larger marine life, such as
27:38seals or whales.
27:39Even divers exploring the polar waters are safe from these icy tendrils, as brinicles
27:44form in shallow waters and can easily be avoided.