Photo of the Day
Cracking the Surface
“Ice on Lake Baikal is a very interesting phenomenon,” writes Your Shot member Alexey Trofimov. “Ice ridges, cracks, tears, hugging. All this creates unique and fantastic stories.” Trofimov spends a few months a year photographing landscapes at the lake—the world’s deepest and oldest—in southeastern Siberia. On this trip, he hoped to make an unusual picture of the ice, showing elements not normally visible. When one morning brought a strong frost and wind, which created unusual patterns in the cracks, Trofimov “had only to wait for sunrise to make this picture.”
This photo was submitted to the 2015 Traveler Photo Contest. Find your best travel photos and join the competition.
This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our storytelling community. Check out the new book Getting Your Shot for more photos, plus tips and creative insights from Nat Geo experts.
Go Further
Animals
- Why 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmedWhy 4 dead California sea otters have scientists so alarmed
- SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?SeaWorld violated the Animal Welfare Act. Why is it still open?
- Vengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boatsVengeance or playtime? Why orcas are attacking boats
- These deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at riskThese deep-sea animals are new to science—and already at risk
- Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.Wildlife crime is a national security issue. DHS is on the case.
Environment
- Is banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserveIs banning fishing bad for fishermen? Not in this marine reserve
- Dust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructiveDust storms are getting worse—here’s why they’re so destructive
- Japan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the PacificJapan poised to release nuclear wastewater into the Pacific
History & Culture
- Why do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holidayWhy do we celebrate Memorial Day? A brief history of the holiday
- 'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought'World’s worst shipwreck' was bloodier than we thought
- England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?England was born on this battlefield. Why can’t we find it?
Science
- Raging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on MarsRaging river and frost-tipped dunes reveal watery history on Mars
- The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.The end of cervical cancer? It might be within reach.
- How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issuesHow a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues
- Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.Are you a stress eater? Here’s how to retrain your brain.
- Early spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynastyEarly spinosaur bones reveal the rise of a dinosaur dynasty
Travel
- Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?Is America’s first wilderness area still wild at heart?
- A UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtownA UK break in Falmouth, Cornwall's maritime boomtown
- Canada's greatest natural wonders: what not to missCanada's greatest natural wonders: what not to miss