Ice Volcanoes On Lake Michigan?

'What are "ice volcanoes, and why are they erupting in Michigan?

Transcript

00:00Recently, on the frozen shores of Lake Michigan, there was an eruption of ice volcanoes.

00:07Last weekend, while out on a stroll, an employee of the National Weather Service Grand Rapids snapped a few photos of the phenomenon.

00:14To be clear, ice volcanoes aren't actually volcanoes, but cone-like mounds that form at the edge of lakes.

00:20Although not unheard of, ice volcanoes are rare, only forming in precise conditions.

00:25This phenomenon can happen when thin layers of ice form on the coast of a body of water.

00:30If winds create powerful enough waves, the water builds up enough pressure below the thin ice to spurt out to the surface.

00:36When it's cold enough outside, the expelled water freezes over, creating a mound.

00:40Your best shot at seeing an ice volcano is to travel to large lakes, such as the Great Lakes.

00:45But, because they're hollow, experts warn that you shouldn't be climbing on them.

00:49That's your Strange News Snapshot. I'm Yasmus Apakoli with Live Science.

00:55Not strange enough for you? You can find more strange news at LiveScience.com.