{"id":432162,"date":"2026-01-10T11:30:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T10:30:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=432162"},"modified":"2026-01-10T10:52:20","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T09:52:20","slug":"eau-forme-carres-lac-nord-americain-fascine-observateurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/the-square-shaped-water-of-the-north-american-lake-fascinates-observers-432162","title":{"rendered":"When water forms squares: this North American lake fascinates observers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A winter storm created a surreal spectacle on Lake Michigan in late December 2025: waves forming perfect geometric squares on the water&#39;s surface. This natural phenomenon, as mesmerizing as it is dangerous, serves as a reminder of the unpredictable power of the Great Lakes.<\/p>\n<h2> When two wave systems collide<\/h2>\n<p> This strange spectacle results from a &quot;cross sea&quot; or &quot;square sea.&quot; Two wave systems, arriving from perpendicular directions, overlap and create this perfect geometry. The storm generated crosswinds that sculpted the water into spectacular right angles. On Lake Michigan, particularly exposed to winter storms, this phenomenon is not unprecedented, but it remains exceptional. Viral videos show sharp squares forming and then deforming under the influence of the underlying currents.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"> Absolutely WILD grid wave pattern in Lake Michigan off of Port Washington, WI \ud83c\udf0a <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SamKuffelWx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@SamKuffelWx<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/umSwJUbM0S\">pic.twitter.com\/umSwJUbM0S<\/a><\/p>\n<p> \u2014 Michael Salm, MLS (@MichaelSalm) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MichaelSalm\/status\/2005798084408926209?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">December 30, 2025<\/a> <\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2> A danger hidden beneath the beauty<\/h2>\n<p> While the image may look like it came from a computer simulation, the reality is far more menacing. These square waves generate particularly violent rip currents, invisible from the shore. A boat caught in them risks immediate capsizing, while a swimmer would be swept far from the shore.<\/p>\n<p>In the United States, these currents account for 80% of water rescue interventions and are the leading cause of drowning fatalities. Even on a freshwater lake, the hydrodynamic force rivals that of the ocean.<\/p>\n<h2> Lake Michigan, a site of extreme phenomena<\/h2>\n<p> The fifth largest lake in the world by surface area, Lake Michigan concentrates winds and currents in a shallow basin (average depth 85m). Winter storms can generate waves of up to 7 meters, rivaling those of the Atlantic Ocean. This &quot;inland lake&quot; sometimes behaves like a raging sea.<\/p>\n<p>The phenomenon is also observed near the \u00cele de R\u00e9 in France or in the North Sea, always in areas of crosswinds and converging currents. Duration: from a few minutes to several hours depending on the weather intensity.<\/p>\n<h2> Natural geometry, a very real threat<\/h2>\n<p> These square waves perfectly illustrate how nature creates complexity from simple phenomena. Two perpendicular winds, a superposition of waves, and the water spontaneously adopts this crystalline form. The mathematical beauty, however, conceals a lethal violence.<\/p>\n<p>In short, a spectacle to admire from afar, never to provoke. Lake Michigan serves as a reminder that its waters, even when fresh, demand absolute respect for the elements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A winter storm created a surreal spectacle on Lake Michigan in late December 2025: waves forming perfect geometric...","protected":false},"author":8392,"featured_media":432164,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[72668],"tags":[97759],"class_list":["post-432162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-green","tag-news"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lisa-from-Pexels-_-Pexels-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lisa-from-Pexels-_-Pexels-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Lisa-from-Pexels-_-Pexels.jpg","author":{"name":"Tatiana Richard","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Tatiania-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":72668,"name":"Green","slug":"green","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":72840,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Green section of The Body Optimist is for anyone who wants to practice <strong>everyday sustainability<\/strong> in a practical, guilt-free way: mindful shopping, secondhand, reducing waste, natural beauty, gardening and eco-friendly habits at home. Our articles offer solutions that work for every budget and lifestyle, while keeping a critical eye on brands\u2019 environmental claims.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Green section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mindful shopping<\/strong>: buying less but better, repairing, renting and weighing the real impact of buying secondhand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eco-friendly habits at home<\/strong>: cutting waste, saving water and energy, making your own laundry detergent or cleaning with baking soda.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural beauty<\/strong>: simpler routines, DIY skincare and food scraps upcycled into skin treatments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fighting food waste<\/strong>: cooking with leftovers, keeping food fresh longer and giving everyday objects a second life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gardens and plants<\/strong>: vegetable gardens, drought-tolerant plants, composting and tips for keeping your plants healthy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nature and the environment<\/strong>: climate phenomena, biodiversity and scientific findings, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/more-than-half-of-the-oceans-are-changing-color-and-becoming-greener-436384\">why the oceans are changing color<\/a>, plus people who are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/content-creator-zoe-from-gers-changes-perceptions-of-everyday-agriculture-440673\">changing how we see farm life<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Where should you start if you want to shop more sustainably?<\/h2>\n<p>The most eco-friendly choice is often to buy less. Before you buy, ask yourself whether you could borrow, rent, repair or find the item secondhand. Use what you already own until it wears out: there\u2019s no need to replace your plastic containers with brand-new glass jars to go zero waste. Then focus on the areas where your habits weigh the most, such as food, transportation, heating and clothing. Secondhand works for plus sizes too: online thrift stores, resale groups and clothing swaps often let you filter by size.<\/p>\n<h2>How can you spot greenwashing?<\/h2>\n<p>Greenwashing means presenting a product or a company as more environmentally friendly than it really is. Be wary of vague terms like \u201cnatural,\u201d \u201cgreen\u201d or \u201ceco-friendly\u201d when no evidence backs them up, and of claims that highlight a single benefit while staying silent on the rest. Look for independent, verified certifications, such as the EU Ecolabel in Europe, and read the ingredient list or the product\u2019s origin rather than the slogan.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We stand for inclusive, judgment-free environmentalism: everyone works with their own budget, housing, health and time. We favor useful habits over \u201cgreen\u201d purchases and keep a critical eye on brands\u2019 environmental arguments. We also keep in mind that individual efforts matter, but that large-scale change depends first on businesses and governments.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/top-repellent-plants-can-naturally-keep-mosquitoes-away-in-summer-445232\">plants known for keeping mosquitoes away<\/a> in summer, for a balcony or garden without chemical sprays.<\/li>\n<li>Why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/why-plants-soothe-the-brain-during-periods-of-chaos-446547\">plants can soothe the brain<\/a> in stressful, chaotic times.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/each-flower-has-a-meaning-heres-which-one-to-give-depending-on-the-occasion-446253\">meaning of different flowers<\/a>, and which ones to give for each occasion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is buying secondhand really better for the planet?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, in most cases: buying secondhand extends an item\u2019s life and avoids manufacturing a new product, which is often the most polluting stage. The benefit shrinks if you end up buying more because it\u2019s cheaper, or if your orders add up to many individual deliveries. The best option is still to buy only what you need.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you reduce waste without spending more?<\/h3>\n<p>Start by turning down what you don\u2019t need (flyers, free samples, bags), then reuse what you already have: jars, cloth bags, containers. Buy the products you use most in bulk or in large sizes, drink tap water where it is safe to drink and compost your food scraps if you can.<\/p>\n<h3>Are natural cosmetics better for your skin?<\/h3>\n<p>Not necessarily. \u201cNatural\u201d doesn\u2019t mean risk-free: essential oils, for example, can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. The appeal of natural or organic cosmetics lies mainly in their formulas and their environmental impact. A short routine with products suited to your skin type remains the simplest and most sustainable approach.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Take care of yourself with simple habits in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/beaute\/soins\">Skincare<\/a> section, cook with the seasons in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/cuisine\">Food<\/a> section and create a more sustainable home with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/deco-maison\">Decor<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":352,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":72668,"category_count":352,"category_description":"<p>The Green section of The Body Optimist is for anyone who wants to practice <strong>everyday sustainability<\/strong> in a practical, guilt-free way: mindful shopping, secondhand, reducing waste, natural beauty, gardening and eco-friendly habits at home. Our articles offer solutions that work for every budget and lifestyle, while keeping a critical eye on brands\u2019 environmental claims.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Green section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Mindful shopping<\/strong>: buying less but better, repairing, renting and weighing the real impact of buying secondhand.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eco-friendly habits at home<\/strong>: cutting waste, saving water and energy, making your own laundry detergent or cleaning with baking soda.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Natural beauty<\/strong>: simpler routines, DIY skincare and food scraps upcycled into skin treatments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fighting food waste<\/strong>: cooking with leftovers, keeping food fresh longer and giving everyday objects a second life.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Gardens and plants<\/strong>: vegetable gardens, drought-tolerant plants, composting and tips for keeping your plants healthy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Nature and the environment<\/strong>: climate phenomena, biodiversity and scientific findings, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/more-than-half-of-the-oceans-are-changing-color-and-becoming-greener-436384\">why the oceans are changing color<\/a>, plus people who are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/content-creator-zoe-from-gers-changes-perceptions-of-everyday-agriculture-440673\">changing how we see farm life<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Where should you start if you want to shop more sustainably?<\/h2>\n<p>The most eco-friendly choice is often to buy less. Before you buy, ask yourself whether you could borrow, rent, repair or find the item secondhand. Use what you already own until it wears out: there\u2019s no need to replace your plastic containers with brand-new glass jars to go zero waste. Then focus on the areas where your habits weigh the most, such as food, transportation, heating and clothing. Secondhand works for plus sizes too: online thrift stores, resale groups and clothing swaps often let you filter by size.<\/p>\n<h2>How can you spot greenwashing?<\/h2>\n<p>Greenwashing means presenting a product or a company as more environmentally friendly than it really is. Be wary of vague terms like \u201cnatural,\u201d \u201cgreen\u201d or \u201ceco-friendly\u201d when no evidence backs them up, and of claims that highlight a single benefit while staying silent on the rest. Look for independent, verified certifications, such as the EU Ecolabel in Europe, and read the ingredient list or the product\u2019s origin rather than the slogan.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We stand for inclusive, judgment-free environmentalism: everyone works with their own budget, housing, health and time. We favor useful habits over \u201cgreen\u201d purchases and keep a critical eye on brands\u2019 environmental arguments. We also keep in mind that individual efforts matter, but that large-scale change depends first on businesses and governments.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/top-repellent-plants-can-naturally-keep-mosquitoes-away-in-summer-445232\">plants known for keeping mosquitoes away<\/a> in summer, for a balcony or garden without chemical sprays.<\/li>\n<li>Why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/why-plants-soothe-the-brain-during-periods-of-chaos-446547\">plants can soothe the brain<\/a> in stressful, chaotic times.<\/li>\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\/each-flower-has-a-meaning-heres-which-one-to-give-depending-on-the-occasion-446253\">meaning of different flowers<\/a>, and which ones to give for each occasion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Is buying secondhand really better for the planet?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, in most cases: buying secondhand extends an item\u2019s life and avoids manufacturing a new product, which is often the most polluting stage. The benefit shrinks if you end up buying more because it\u2019s cheaper, or if your orders add up to many individual deliveries. The best option is still to buy only what you need.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you reduce waste without spending more?<\/h3>\n<p>Start by turning down what you don\u2019t need (flyers, free samples, bags), then reuse what you already have: jars, cloth bags, containers. Buy the products you use most in bulk or in large sizes, drink tap water where it is safe to drink and compost your food scraps if you can.<\/p>\n<h3>Are natural cosmetics better for your skin?<\/h3>\n<p>Not necessarily. \u201cNatural\u201d doesn\u2019t mean risk-free: essential oils, for example, can irritate the skin or trigger allergies. The appeal of natural or organic cosmetics lies mainly in their formulas and their environmental impact. A short routine with products suited to your skin type remains the simplest and most sustainable approach.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Take care of yourself with simple habits in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/beaute\/soins\">Skincare<\/a> section, cook with the seasons in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/cuisine\">Food<\/a> section and create a more sustainable home with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/deco-maison\">Decor<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Green","category_nicename":"green","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8392"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=432162"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432162\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":432269,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432162\/revisions\/432269"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/432164"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=432162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=432162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=432162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}