French scientists have uncovered the mystery of a unique natural phenomenon that is observed in winter in Russia on Lake Baikal.
For a long time, scientists could not explain the phenomenon that was called “Baikal Zen”: we are talking about stones resting on ice legs.
In fact, there is no magic or outside interference, but only the forces of nature.
These conclusions were reached by a group of French scientists from the National Center for Scientific Research and the University of Lyon I. Claude Bernard.
The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers drew attention to a strange phenomenon observed on Lake Baikal in winter.
On the surface of a frozen pond, stones can be found on ice pedestals, which is very reminiscent of popular rock compositions in Japanese gardens.
“Baikal Zen” was explained quite simply.
Humans are not involved in the creation of these art objects. The point is a strong wind that carries stones to the surface of a frozen lake.
A shadow forms under the stones, which prevents the sun’s rays from heating and melting the ice.
But at the same time, the ice along the edges of the stone begins to melt, and the moisture evaporates, as a result of which a thin ice leg forms under the stone.
The process was completely reproducible in the laboratory.
