Location

Eastern Hokkaido
北海道東部

Date taken

12/2020, 01/2021

厳寒期に咲く薄命花、フロストフラワー

北海道東部の阿寒湖を中心に、各地の湖水上や河川で見られる自然現象。氷原の上で水蒸気が結晶する事で発生、一面が花畑のような景観となる事で「フラワー」との名前が付く。必要な発生条件、気候要件は厳しく、日の出後は溶け出してしまう為、一日のうち、観測可能な時間帯は限られる。

Frostflower, a thin-lived flower that blooms in severe cold weather

A natural phenomenon that can be seen on lakes and rivers in various regions, especially Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido. The name “flower” is derived from the fact that the phenomenon occurs when water vapor crystallizes on the ice field, creating a landscape that resembles a field of flowers. The necessary conditions for its occurrence and climatic requirements are strict, and it melts after sunrise, so it can only be observed at limited times during the day.