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Ugo Mellone's Image
Ugo had heard of a strange phenomenon in southern Spain’s Sierra Nevada: temporary snow tunnels, cascading towards the wetlands.
Upon discovery of this hidden tunnel, Ugo found himself walking into a secret oasis lined with lush grass and lit by natural skylights. The climate in the Sierra Nevada varies greatly, from permanently snow-capped peaks to warm, fertile, low-lying valleys, resulting in an enormous diversity of species and habitats. Snow tunnels form in spring, when faster-flowing snow melt cuts through the top layers of ice to form a hidden cave system beneath the surface.
Behind the lens
Ugo Mellone
Italy
Ugo has always been fascinated by wilderness – from an aesthetic point of view, and as a place for exploration and discovery. This brought him to nature photography, and enabled him to carry out scientific research in the field of bird migration. He is currently working on a long-term photographic project in the Andalucia region of Spain.
Image details
- Canon EOS 7D
- 12-24mm f4 lens
- 1.3 sec at f13
- Sierra Nevada, Spain
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
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