Out of the hundreds of natural phenomena that can be observed on Earth, some are rarer than others. For a curious mind, these are the most fascinating – be it due to their rarity or their sheer beauty. This list includes some of the best examples found on our planet. It is an eclectic mix that is bound to spark your interest and delight in this very natural world we live in.
1. Frozen Methane Bubbles in Alaska
In the Arctic regions of Alaska, methane gas gets trapped under layers of permafrost. When winter arrives, the ground freezes completely, trapping the gas beneath it. This large pool of ether is typically harmless… until spring comes along. When it thaws out in warmer temperatures and as ice sublimates into water vapor – methane bubbles can appear to surface through the mud or snow.
2. The Spotted Lake in Canada.
This is an estuary that is located in British Columbia. It does not have a name as it is not a natural lake, but a dam has been built it to create more space for a small hydroelectric power plant. The reason why the lake has been named “Spotted Lake” is due to its unusually colorful appearance, which is most likely due to the many algae living there.
3. Fields of Web, in Australia.
In Australia, there are actually two species of spiders that spin entwined webs. Their names are strickly dependent on the state they live in: Nimbaphora glacialis in New South Wales and Phorminga Argentina in South Australia. They make their webs at night and leave them the rest of the time. The blankets can be up to 300 feet long, although less common examples can be 2 feet wide or less.
4.Migration of Monarch Butterfly in the United States
Monarch butterfly migration is an annual event that takes place in October and November, in the States of Texas and Mexico. Millions of Monarchs fly to Mexico in order to stay warm during the winter and avoid harsh weather, although they are not yet endangered.
5. Hair Ice in Wales
There is a phenomenon known as hair ice. It refers to the froth that forms over rivers and lakes during winter when there is a lot of wind. Hair ice can be grabbed or blown into your face, which is why you should abandon any idea of diving into it. It can be seen as a blockage in many places like bridges and locks.
As you can see, there is a variety of different things to look for when visiting our planet. In doing so, you will be able to get a better understanding of how it works and how it changes with time. Hopefully, you will be able to spot some during your next trip: the memory alone is worth it!