The Natural Phenomenon In North Dakota That Only Happens During Wintertime

If the precise right conditions are met during the wintertime in North Dakota, an incredible natural phenomenon can occur. This unusual yet fascinating wonder has gone as far as become international news – spreading videos and images from the Peace Garden State across the world. It is rare, but it does happen, and it only happens in the winter. Check it out:

Juliancolton/Wikimedia

This phenomenon only occurs during the wintertime and it has happened in North Dakota on multiple occasions. The discs can be anything from a few inches in diameter to 50 feet - or more, but it is extraordinarily rare to see one that large. The form when a large chunk of ice breaks off in a river and gets caught in a rotating current. The current will cause it to grind against surrounding ice until a perfect circle is formed. The circle will slowly rotate in the water, almost like a record on a turntable.

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AP/Youtube

One such occasion actually gained international attention after a video taken by a North Dakotan hunter went viral. The ice circle was found in the Sheyenne River and was about 50ft in diameter, spinning perfectly. Check it out below.

The ice circle is mesmerizing to watch, and certainly a great wonder to behold. It doesn’t happen very often around the world, but it does and has happened right here in the Peace Garden State. How amazing is that?

If you’ve ever seen an ice circle and caught a picture of it in North Dakota, you can share it with our North Dakota Nature Lovers group and have a chance at becoming our Photographer of the Week!

Here are more beautiful effects the wintertime has on the prairie landscape in this great state.