Categories: Techno

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

Spread the love

© LouieLea/Shutterstock

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.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

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

📍 To not miss any Presse-citron news, follow us on Google News and WhatsApp.

Teilor Stone

Teilor Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining Thesaxon , Teilor Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my teilor@nizhtimes.com 1-800-268-7116

Recent Posts

Comment fait NordVPN pour proposer des réductions qui dépassent les 70% ?

Découvrez dans cet article tous les détails sur la dernière offre promotionnelle de NordVPN qui…

24 minutes ago

Attention à ce détail sur votre carte grise, il peut vous coûter 135 euros d’amende

Si vous n’avez pas récemment changé votre carte grise, c’est le moment de vérifier un…

24 minutes ago

Priest imitates Elon Musk's controversial salute as a “joke”: Anglican Church reacts and revokes his license to practice

On January 25, Calvin Robinson, a priest of the Anglican Catholic Church in the United…

24 minutes ago

“The treasurer-paymaster” of the drug traffickers of the Citadel in Bagnols sentenced to 3 years in prison

Le suspect a été interpellé par les policiers à Bagnols-sur-Cèze, dans le quartier de la…

24 minutes ago

How NordVPN offers discounts that exceed 70% ?

© Presse-citron In 2025, there is normally no need to introduce Virtual Private Networks (VPN).…

24 minutes ago

Pay attention to this detail on your registration document, it could cost you a 135 euro fine

© ANTS 2025 has brought its share of changes for drivers: they will have to…

24 minutes ago