In Finland, a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon has been observed recently, known as “ice eggs.” These icy spheres develop under very particular conditions, making the sighting quite exceptional and noteworthy. The discovery was made by Risto Mattila, a hobbyist photographer, and his wife while they were walking along Marjaniemi beach on Hailuoto island. The entire beach was covered with a vast expanse of small icy balls spanning over 30 meters (98ft), presenting a truly breathtaking spectacle.
Mattila described the largest of the ice eggs to be approximately the size of a football, which is quite impressive considering they are formed by natural processes. As an amateur photographer, he was astonished by the phenomenon and had never witnessed anything similar before. Experts concur that this event is uncommon and necessitates highly specific conditions to occur.
Jouni Vainio, an ice specialist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, clarified that “ice eggs” can develop under specific conditions. These include the appropriate air and water temperature, a shallow and gently sloping sandy beach, calm waves or a light swell, and the presence of a core. This core begins to gather ice around it, and as it moves along the beach with the swell, the icy spheres increase in size, resulting in a remarkable spectacle.
As per Dr. James Carter, a retired professor of geography-geology at Illinois State University, autumn offers the optimal conditions to observe this phenomenon. During this season, the water’s surface begins to freeze, forming a slushy substance that moves with the waves. As this slush is pushed onto the beach, it can freeze and form the small balls that constitute the ice eggs. Observing this formation process is captivating and exemplifies one of nature’s many awe-inspiring events.
Although these icy spheres may resemble artificial decorations, they are completely natural, forming under very particular weather and environmental circumstances. The rarity of witnessing them makes this discovery even more extraordinary. For those keen on observing this phenomenon, it’s essential to visit during autumn and keep an eye out for the appropriate conditions.
Also Read: The Gigantic Marvel: Unveiling Unprecedentedly Large Lobsters.
