Spectacular sand sculptures on the shores of Lake Michigan

 

Wind chills were in the teens Tuesday evening in St. Joe, and it felt downright frigid near the icy shores of Lake Michigan. 

So, why did scores of people brave the elements? They were after a shot of spectacular "sand sculptures," formed by the cold wind and making the rounds on social media over the last few days.

Still a few sand sculptures surviving in Saint Joe! @ABC57News @TomCoomes pic.twitter.com/D8LgokzNxa

— Dave Caulfield (@DaveCaulfield_) January 11, 2022

These little wonders of nature are formed when the right combination of weather factors emerge together: wind, cold, and snow/rain. The wind along Lake Michigan will erode the frozen/semi-frozen sand, which is damp because of recent precipitation. The cold temperatures preserve these amazing natural sculptures. Sunshine and warmer temperatures dry them out, and lead to their demise. 

Nature is amazing, and can sometimes make standing outside in sub-freezing temperatures worth it!

? of a lifetime!
Sand sculpture sunset double feature
?Tiscornia Park, St. Joe #Michigan#beach #sunset #puremichigan #miwx #michianawx @ABC57News @TomCoomes @NWSIWX @Ginger_Zee @StormHour @LarryABC7 pic.twitter.com/k1y0BGRsFS

— Dave Caulfield (@DaveCaulfield_) January 11, 2022