Posted in Iowa
March 28, 2018
A Trip Inside Iowa’s Frozen Cave Is Positively Surreal
Iowa is full of fascinating geographic wonders – like the breathtaking Loess Hills and regions full of Karst Topography. One particular spot gets people talking though – because you’ll need to bring a coat, even if you’re hiking on a 100 degree day! Of course, I’m talking about the Decorah Ice Cave.
It's part of a large park system that makes the city of Decorah the perfect destination for a day trip.
The science behind the cave is simple, but incredibly interesting. This whole area actually was not glaciated during the last Ice Age, so the ice isn't caused by any sort of glacier that hasn't yet melted. The cave creates a cold air trap thanks to the way the cave is formed. While I'm sure a geologist could explain it more scientifically, the cave is based around the fact that warm air rises. The entrance is higher than where the ice lies, so the cold cave air remains in the cave all summer long, because the warm air is lighter and escapes from the top. In the winter, sometimes cooler air can get in, though, pushing out any warm air and adding to the chilly temperatures of the cave.
Ice starts to form on the walls in January, and by May, it's several inches thick! This ice remains until late August, when it finally melts.
Have you visited the Decorah Ice Cave? While you’re there, stop by the charming town itself – after all, it is the Most Beautiful Town In Iowa.
