In Finland, a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon, known as “ice eggs,” was recently discovered. These ice spheres form under very specific conditions, making the spectacle both unique and remarkable. Risto Mattila, an amateur photographer, and his wife came across this phenomenon while strolling along Marjaniemi Beach on Hailuoto Island. The beach was entirely covered with a vast area of small ice balls stretching over 30 meters (98 feet), creating an incredibly stunning scene.
Mattila described the largest ice egg as being the size of a soccer ball, which is quite remarkable when you consider that these spheres are created entirely by natural processes. As an amateur photographer, he was astonished by the phenomenon, having never seen anything like it before. Experts agree that this occurrence is rare and requires very specific conditions to form.
Jouni Vainio, an ice specialist at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, explained that “ice eggs” can form under the right conditions, which include suitable air and water temperatures, a shallow and gently sloping sandy beach, calm or light waves, and something to act as a core. This core begins to accumulate ice around it, and as the waves move it along the beach, the ice spheres grow in size, creating a truly remarkable spectacle.
According to Dr. James Carter, an emeritus professor of geography-geology at Illinois State University, autumn is the ideal season to observe the formation of “ice eggs.” During this time, the surface of the water begins to freeze, producing a slushy substance that moves with the waves. When this slush is pushed ashore, it can begin freezing into small balls, eventually forming the “ice eggs.” This process is captivating to witness and highlights one of the many awe-inspiring phenomena in nature.
Although these ice formations might resemble decorations crafted by humans, they are entirely natural and result from very specific weather and environmental conditions. The rarity of spotting these formations adds to their allure. For those eager to experience this phenomenon, it’s important to visit during autumn and monitor for the ideal conditions, such as freezing temperatures, calm waves, and shallow, sandy beaches.
