The Natural Phenomenon In Indiana That Only Happens During Wintertime
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Courtney Johnston
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You might not immediately associate wintertime with outdoor adventures, but there are plenty of incredible phenomena that occur in Indiana during the winter, from frozen waterfalls to ice caves. Though ice storms in Indiana can be pretty brutal, we’ve all experienced the beauty it leaves behind. Need an example? Check out this stunning natural phenomenon in Indiana that only occurs during wintertime.
The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a magical place any time of year. This ecological wonder is filled with stunning beauty and surrounds the coast of Lake Michigan. During the wintertime, however, the dunes can produce an incredible natural phenomenon.
The frozen beaches along the coast of Lake Michigan are absolutely stunning. but if temperatures plummet low enough, they can actually start to form a phenomenon known as "shelf ice."
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Shelf ice is a phenomenon that occurs most commonly along the Great Lakes. Shelf ice is formed when float ice (large chunks of ice that drift along the lake) build up and freeze along the lake's coast, forming massive and incredible ice formations.
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Shelf ice is most common along the eastern and southern shores of Lake Michigan, which are the sides Indiana's shores run along. When the ice freezes along a sand bar, it forms an icy ridge over the bar, creating a unique and stunning structure. This free form ice is absolutely enchanting to behold in person and definitely warrants a trip to the shores of Lake Michigan.
In addition to shelf ice, you'll also find ice caves that are formed by the chilled waves of Lake Michigan. This particular ice cave was formed when the waves hit the dunes, froze, and continued to freeze as water from the lake continued to drop upon the icy formation. Ice caves don't always occur and are not as common as shelf ice, but they're absolutely magical if you can find one.
The Indiana Dunes is a popular place for summer vacationing, but it also transforms into a frozen paradise straight out of Frozen in the wintertime. Be sure to check out the dunes this winter before temperatures heat up. There are several entrances to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, but you'll find the main entrance at 1215 Indiana 49, Porter, IN 46304.
Have you ever viewed this stunning natural phenomenon in Indiana? For another incredible winter wonder, be sure to check out this epic ice tree that only exists in Indiana before temperatures get too warm.
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