5 Strange and Fascinating Natural Phenomena
March 4, 2024 Diverse
We believe that nature is beautiful, but we often only see the ordinary facets of beauty. For example, enjoying the scenic views of mountains and rivers. However, around the world, there are some truly bizarre and fascinating natural phenomena of a completely different kind, and other phenomena that are difficult to explain but also impossible to forget at the same time!
Here are some strange natural phenomena from around the world:
1. Kawah Ijen Volcano: A volcano that erupts blue lava
Located in East Java, Indonesia, Kawah Ijen constantly leaks sulfuric gases that seep through volcanic cracks at temperatures reaching up to 600 degrees Celsius. When these gases mix with the atmospheric air, they ignite, producing flames and explosions that rise more than 16 feet into the sky.
After the gases burn, the liquid sulfur condenses and creates the glowing blue color that results in the spectacular blue lava. It produces streams that flow down the sides of the volcano in a magical light show.
In this crater, sulfur gases are extracted by mine workers to route these gases by installing a network of ceramic pipes. When the molten sulfur reaches the end of the pipe, its color turns yellow until it cools. Miners then break it into large pieces and carry it away in baskets to a nearby refinery.
Workers earn around $13 a day for this perilous work, exposing them to various risks due to inadequate protection. Most suffer respiratory problems due to inhaling the toxic fumes. At times, they are forced to work at night to escape the heat of the sun and to earn extra income.
2. Salar de Uyuni: The World's Largest Salt Flat
Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, covering an area of over 10,582 km², at an altitude of 3,656 meters above sea level in southern Bolivia. It was formed as a result of geological changes over tens of thousands of years. Originally, the area was part of a vast lake known as Lake Minchin, where water leached salt from the nearby mountains. As the lake dried up over time, it left behind massive salt deposits.
During the rainy season (December to April), water from nearby lakes overflows into this extremely flat area, forming a shallow lake up to 50 cm deep. This shallow layer of water transforms the flat land into an enormous mirror, reflecting a stunning and breathtaking image of the sky. During the dry season (May to November), stunning hexagonal patterns appear as a result of salt crystallization as water evaporates.
3. Yosemite Firefall: A Spectacular Natural Phenomenon
While wandering through Yosemite National Park in the United States, you might think you're witnessing hot lava flowing down over the edge of a cliff. However, don't panic! The "Firefall" is actually one of the park's many natural phenomena, appearing at a specific time and for a limited duration each year.
The "Firefall" is a natural phenomenon that occurs for a few days each year in Yosemite National Park in California. It happens when the setting sun's rays hit the waterfall at just the right angle, causing it to glow. This phenomenon, which attracts hundreds of visitors each year, can be seen for a short period of time in February. Its appearance varies from year to year, as it depends on the amount of water flowing from the “Horsetail” waterfall.
4. Light Pillars: A Captivating Optical Phenomenon
Light pillars are vertical beams of light that typically appear in the sky near the earth's surface, creating a stunning optical phenomenon.
This captivating display is created by the reflection of light from tiny ice crystals that are suspended in the atmosphere or that comprise high-altitude clouds (e.g. cirrostratus or cirrus clouds). If the light comes from the Sun (usually when it is near or even below the horizon), the phenomenon is called a sun pillar or solar pillar. Light pillars can also be caused by the moon or artificial light source, such as streetlights.
These ice crystals often arranged into flat hexagonal shapes, acting like mirrors that reflect light between them. This creates the illusion of pillars of light in the night sky, As the size of the crystals increases, the visibility of this effect becomes more pronounced.
However, specific weather conditions must be met for these lines to appear. The temperature must be very cold, below -20 degrees Celsius, and the air must also be calm, with no wind or rain, in order for ice crystals to form and remain suspended in the air.
5. Maine's Ice Disk: A Spinning Ice Disk Forms on a River in Westbrook
Nature created a unique view over a river in the state of Maine, USA, as residents were surprised by the appearance of a floating ice mass shaped like a disk on the river. A video captured by a drone showed the icy disk slowly rotating around itself over the Presimpscot River in the city of Westbrook.
The ice floe formed in a nearly perfectly round shape, leading some social media users to compare it to the moon. Local media reported that the ice disk was approximately 90 meters wide.