Giant Rotating Ice Disk In US River Is Back After 2 Years, Photos Surface

The ice disk in the Presumpscot river in Westbrook city in the US state of Maine famously made its first appearance in 2019, drawing attention from across the world. In 2020, it formed only partially.

The ice disk on Presumpscot river below Saccarappa Falls in Westbrook in the US state of Maine | Photo: Getty

New Delhi: A rotating ice disk has once again started to form in the Presumpscot river in Westbrook, Maine, the northernmost state in the United States.

The famous ice disk made its first appearance in 2019, drawing attention from across the world. In 2020, it formed only partially, according to reports.

Officials in Westbrook city shared images of the ice disk formation on Facebook, inviting people to come and check out.

They, however, cautioned people that they should not try and step on the ice, saying it’s not safe.

According to experts, ice disks usually form as a result of a current and vortex under the ice. But it’s unusual for a location like Westbrook to have ice disks of this size shaping up, an AP report noted.

In 2019, a 100-yard-wide (91 metres) ice disk formed in the river below Saccarappa Falls, before it melted as the weather warmed up, the AP report said.

A full swirling disk has formed once again this winter.

Taking to Facebook on Thursday, Westbrook Mayor Michael T Foley posted: "Ice Disk 2022 day 3! Still frozen solid but definitely still cool looking! Come check it out and visit some of our local businesses".

Another user posted: "Ice Disk 2022, Westbrook Maine. 2022 is Deja Vu city." 

Local media reports said tourists have started to flock to the city to take a closer look of the natural phenomenon, which they termed as somthing never seen before.