A blanket of steam fog covers Lake Superior as powerful polar vortex batters the US midwest, bringing wind chill values to more than 40 degrees below zero in some areas.

The ''steam fog'' phenomenon happens when the temperature in bodies of water, like lakes and rivers, is warmer than the air.

Time-lapse footage, captured on January 27, shows steam fog gliding across Lake Superior as the sun shines on the horizon in a beautiful winter scene.

Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes of North America, is also the world's largest freshwater lake by surface.

THIS UNWATERMARKED VERSION IS NOT FOR USE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. LEGIBLE PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN WITH USE WHEN LICENSED. (WATERMARKED VERSION AVAILABLE SEPARATELY.)

The upper Midwest in the U.S. is bracing for a polar vortex, record-breaking cold snap this week. During filming, the ambient air temperature was a frigid -25 degrees Fahrenheit (-32 degrees Celsius) and the comparatively warmer waters of Lake Superior continued to cool quickly and form thin ice. Wind chills were estimated around -40°F (-40°C). The rising water vapor formed a winter fog known by names such as sea smoke, ice fog, and spirit fog. I like to think of it as Lake Superior's breath. This mesmerizing fog glides gracefully across the lake's surface with the slightest breeze. As the sun broke the horizon, the sea smoke was painted in hues of pink as it danced skyward.

This video footage is processed to play at 40 times the normal speed, to better show the movement of the sea smoke and clouds. A longer, slower version is also available.

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by area in the world, and the third largest freshwater lake by volume. The surface rarely freezes completely during winter, but it often produces sufficient ice for waves to transport ice to its shores to form impressive stacks of plate ice and massive dunes of ice.

Even as an experienced subzero winter photographer, shooting in these extreme conditions can be challenging. In addition to using proven layered outerwear to keep myself reasonably safe and warm, I must use strategies to help my camera equipment function properly well below its normal range of operating temperature. I find winter's beauty and drama to be extraordinary for photography and videography, so the benefits far outweigh the challenges.