Thousands of 'ice flowers' bloom on freshwater lake in Russia

A series of small ice blocks shaped like flowers appeared on the surface of Lake Valdai, Northwestern Russia,RT"The temperature in Valdai yesterday was just below zero, but today it is around minus 20 degrees Celsius," said Nikolai Sokolov, director of the Valdai National Park. In his 24 years of work, this is the first time he has witnessed such a beautiful and breathtaking scene.

The phenomenon occurs due to a combination of factors. The water must be warm enough to flow, and a sudden cold snap must occur to cause ice to form near the surface of the lake. The water flows over the top of the ice block, quickly cooling and freezing into ice petals. This process repeats itself, creating flowers several centimeters high.

However, ice flowers do not last long. When strong winds, rising temperatures and heavy snowfall combine, they will quickly be destroyed.