Canadian "carbonated" lake turns into a frozen lava lamp in winter

Abraham Lake, located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, is filled with patterns of frozen bubbles in winter.

The bubbles rising from the bottom are methane gas, which is released when bacteria decompose the accumulated organic material. The process takes place throughout the year, but with the onset of cold weather it becomes especially spectacular.

What exactly is going on? At a negative temperature and gusty wind, the surface of the lake freezes, but the decomposition process continues at a depth. As a result, the released methane gets stuck in the ice. If frosts persist for some time, the surface freezes deeper and deeper, capturing more and more gas bubbles. So a stack of milky-white pancakes is formed.

This phenomenon can be observed from January to February. The wind clears the lake of snow and polishes the ice, making it even more transparent. But despite the external beauty, methane bubbles are fraught with a hidden threat. This gas is highly flammable, and if the bubble bursts near an open fire, a fire may occur.