Yukimarimo are reminiscent of small frosty tumbleweeds or snow marbles that appear in the most frigid regions of our planet. These delicate, fluffy orbs of frost materialize in Antarctica when minute ice crystals are lifted by the wind and come together as they roll along. The outcome is a dainty, minuscule frost ball that drifts across the icy terrain, appearing almost too fragile to endure the severe conditions. Unlike conventional snowballs, yukimarimo are exceptionally delicate and can only take shape in the most frigid settings. Researchers in Antarctica encountered them in temperatures as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit. These enigmatic formations necessitate a precise blend of extremely cold temperatures, gentle breezes, and a touch of static electricity to manifest, rendering them a scarce and astounding spectacle. Jennifer Gray, a seasoned weather and climate journalist at weather.com, has been reporting on some of the most significant weather and climate events worldwide for the past twenty years.
