I was exploring my property on the Big Iron River near Silver City, and spotted some "ice cones" in the middle of the river. These little volcanoes form at the base of rapids and are usually composed of the foam generated by air and dissolved tannins in the water. The foam bubbles through the center of the cone, then freezes to build it higher. It seems they form in only the coldest weather, and melt very quickly in any kind of thaw. The largest I have ever seen was eight feet tall! These are only about a foot high, but cute.

There's more to this story. Remember, I said the cones were in the middle of the river, and in an area of numerous rapids. I took quite an effort to thread my way along the high (and dry) spots to get near them. It all went without incident after all, but it was quite a thrill to ski over the churning water buried beneath the snow. Much credit to faithful dog Cosmo who had better sense and stayed on shore while I did my work. I appreciate a partner who lets me concentrate on my creativity - and survival.

Interesting, Dan. I have never heard of them. Cute, aren't they? Keep up the wonderful work.
Your pictures are enjoyed by all of my friends in the Port Huron area!

Thanks for the informative piece, Dan! It was really interesting to learn about these ice cones. And I'm glad it was you skiing over rapids below instead of me!

your pictures and information are now becoming a science lesson. What great work and something new to learn at the same time, thanks!

silent beauty above and the raging beast below. what a daredevil you are for obtaining this educational photo. ice cones are new to me also. thanks for the beautiful visual explanation of another of GOD'S creations, straight from GOD'S country.

Dan, those ice cones are so interesting! If you ever see one eight foot tall again, please photograph it and share it with us! Thanks so much giving us a taste of winter in the Keweenaw!

Since Charlie mentioned my dog Cosmo, and I didn't take his photo on the river, you can see his recent formal portrait at:
http://www.quietlywild.com/qwpages/cosmo.html

Hi Dan here is a link from MTU with lots of pictures of ice valcanoes. Cosmo look great, good looking dog.

http://www.geo.mtu.edu/volcanoes/ice/

This is to Dan U., Dan when you see this, if you are the Dan Urbanski that worked at Met Fab in Flint please e-mail me at Squigg52@aol.com. I'am still here working and will be heading up to Houghton on Thursday afternoon for a 4 day weekend . If you dont' recognize the Squigg52, I was the clerk in the production office at one time, was a material supervisor, and worked for you at times.

give me a information about valcanoes.
what is this? how they created?in e-mail.

OMG!! I didn't even know there was such thing as Ice Volcanoes!! thank you so much for all the information

i want more pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just looking for volcanoes/action just seen this.
I like this. I am giving address to my instructor.
Thanks keep up the good work.

Mari

I moved here to Hawaii after spending 40 years in MI and I had no idea that there was such a thing as ice volcanoes. I did a power point for my class on the "Ring of Fire" and threw some ice volcanoes in for fun. It worked most in my class haven't seen snow. Thanks for helping me get an "A" in my class

hi this is someo one i have a question?? how are real valcanoes created??