Ice Caves on Lake Michigan Create Winter Spectacle
354 views · Published 17 February 2014 · 1:18 · Indexed 3 October 2026
Channel: Dayton 24/7 Now · 2014 · News & Politics
LELAND, Mich. -- Ice caves have formed near the eastern shores of Lake Michigan, creating spectacular views more reminiscent of the polar ice cap.It's sights I've never seen before in all my life - and I've traveled the world 'round, said Tom Auch, a teacher at Northwestern Michigan College.According to upnorthlive.com, the caves are formed by the wind and wave action, westerly winds push slushy ice up along the shoreline. Layer after layer freezes and forms huge piles of ice. Some of them reach 30-feet high.When the sun comes out it's just these beautiful hues of blue, said George Meredith of Traverse City. It's a magic wonderland.Waves then carve out spectacular crevices and the freezing spray creates icicle-like formations. Once the wind calms, more sheet ice is formed on the water. When the wind picks back up, the waves shove the broken ice pieces together, creating an jagged angular ice sheet. It's flat enough that you can walk on to see the caves.The caves are about half a mile from land. If you're thinking about making the trek, anyone can do it. Ask the Heitman family who was out on the ice Wednesday. The family of four took advantage of the neat ice formations to have a fun, out-of-the-box learning experience.Source: upnorthlive.com
