What is turquoise ice

The physical make-up and temperature of the ice sheet then also become imbalanced, and hence the hummocks form and rise above the frozen surface. This is Siberia, so the ice will be there until May. See many more pictures of the Baikal ice hummocks at Scribol. Image credit: Alexey Trofimov. Customization and personalization available. Your email has been sent! This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

We hope you like what you see! However, during the winter months of January to May, the lake transforms into a magical scene complete with turquoise-colored ice crystals that jut out of the frozen surface. Lake Baikal is 5, feet deep at its deepest point, which is located more than 4, feet under sea level via Smithsonian Magazine. The lake's water is so clear, in fact, that visitors can see up to feet below the water's surface.

In winter, Lake Baikal's temperature reaches up to degrees Fahrenheit, and that's when the turquoise ice crystals form. Because of the water's clarity, the ice blocks give off a turquoise hue when the sunlight hits them. With the frigid temperatures in winter, the lake forms an ice surface that can reach up to two meters thick. The turquoise gem-like ice blocks form when the lake's surface does not freeze evenly, per Peta Pixel. Every year, many professional photographers around the world make their way to Lake Baikal to capture the magnificent natural phenomenon.