Lake in Alaska fascinates with "ice window"
The lakes in the US state of Alaska are already freezing over. At Rabbit Lake, this leads to a sight that is rarely possible. The ice is as clear and transparent as a window.
Rabbit Lake in the US state of Alaska regularly freezes over and attracts ice skaters, among others. This year, however, the lake offers a unique sight: The ice is frozen crystal clear and transparent.
Outdoor specialist Luc Mehl posted footage of him walking on it. The video has fascinated the web for days. Through the transparent ice, you can see directly through the equally clear water to rocks and precipices that lie below the waterline.
The ice surface can only be recognized by the scratches left by the skates. According to Mehl, this is an "ice window". The rare phenomenon occurs when there has been a dry, calm and cold transition to winter, says the expert.
Nothing comparable has ever been seen before
This allows the ice surface to grow calmly and translucent. Normally, wave movements or air pockets disturb the picture. But there are hardly any air pockets, perhaps because the lake has no vegetation. Mehl believes that this is why the water is so clear. As lakes freeze from the surface downwards, impurities and air bubbles can be pushed downwards as they gradually freeze, so that the ice remains clear.
The phenomenon is believed to be a once-in-a-decade experience. Mehl says he has never seen anything like it in the twelve years he has been skating there. The ice is virtually flawless, he says, and he and his friends can see right down to the bottom of the lake and the fish swimming under the ice.
The fascinating sight of the lake, which is not far from Anchorage, attracts numerous visitors. However, the outdoor expert and certified ice rescuer also warns that some people have already fallen in since the lake froze over.
The unique "ice window" at Rabbit Lake in Alaska has attracted international interest, with people worldwide admiring the clear ice and the ability to see the lake's rivers and lakes bottom. The crystal-clear ice and water are a stark contrast to the usual cloudy winter conditions found in the USA.
Source: www.ntv.de
