Ice volcanoes form when wind-driven waves splash against the edge of ice shelves building out from a lake’s shoreline.
Irregular ice forms at the edge, encouraging approaching waves to splash and spatter more.
Once the ice has stretched out into the lake, waves beneath the ice sheet force water up into the cracks and volcanoes previously formed. This water makes cones larger and sometimes results an eruption of water from the cone like a volcano.
The ice structures range from less than 3 feet to more than 24 feet tall, according to Michigan Technological University.
Recreationists can see them for themselves or trek out on Lake Erie with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation February 5.