“An ice tsunami”: what is this extraordinary weather phenomenon that can cause serious damage ?

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Have you ever heard of the “ice tsunami” ? This natural phenomenon, as impressive as it is destructive, threatens cold regions. Unlike its aquatic cousin, which surges in a matter of minutes, it advances slowly but can cause considerable damage to coastal infrastructure. And to remind that nature remains unpredictable even in its slowest manifestations.

Also known as an ice jam or ice push,This phenomenon occurs mainly in late winter and early spring. During periods of thaw, the surface ice layer begins to partially melt, creating spaces between the ice blocks. Under the effect of strong winds and storms, these pieces of ice are pushed towards the coast, gradually forming a destructive wall.

Devastating consequences

In 1884, Montreal experienced one of the most memorable ice tsunamis, immortalized in period photographs that show spectacular piles of ice in the city streets.

The accumulation of ice can reach impressive proportions, rising up to ten meters high height– the equivalent of a three-story house – and extending over several hundred meters. The potential damage is considerable: bridges washed away, buildings damaged and ground scraped by the inexorable advance of the ice.

The regions most affected are mainly the polar regions, particularly the coasts of Alaska, where violent winds are frequent. However, the phenomenon can also affect more temperate regions: the great lakes of North America and even some alpine lakes can be the scene of these spectacular events.

What to do in the face of an ice tsunami ?

Faced with this winter threat, authorities and scientists have developed several prevention strategies:

• preventive weakening of the ice by cutting into blocks or drilling
• the spreading of heat-absorbing materials to promote gradual melting
• the use of icebreakers and hovercraft to create flow channels
• the establishment of monitoring and early warning systems

Coastal communities that are particularly exposed have also adapted their infrastructure, building special sea walls and reinforcing the foundations of buildings located in risk areas.

Scientists are concerned about the impact of global warming on the frequency and intensity of ice tsunamis. More abrupt and frequent temperature variationscould increase the risk of ice jams, particularly in Arctic regions where warming is more pronounced.

• Ice tsunamis are winter phenomena that occur during periods of thawing, and can form walls of ice over 10 metres high
• The polar regions are most affected, but the phenomenon can occur anywhere where water freezes in winter
• Prevention techniques exist, but climate change could amplify the phenomenon in the years to come

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