EOjäämä

EOjäämä is a Finnish term that translates to "ice jam" or "ice drift" and refers to a phenomenon occurring in rivers and waterways during winter and spring. It describes the accumulation of ice floes and broken ice that can block the flow of water. This blockage can lead to a significant rise in water levels upstream of the jam, potentially causing flooding in adjacent areas. Conversely, downstream of the jam, water levels can drop as the flow is restricted.

The formation of EOjäämä is a natural process that typically happens when the river starts to freeze over or when existing ice cover breaks up due to thawing temperatures. The ice fragments, carried by the current, can get stuck on obstacles, at bends in the river, or where the river narrows. The size and density of the ice jam can vary greatly, from small, localized blockages to extensive formations that span considerable distances.

EOjäämä can have several consequences. Flooding is a primary concern, impacting infrastructure, agriculture, and residential areas. The altered flow of water can also affect aquatic ecosystems and navigation. Managing EOjäämä often involves monitoring ice conditions, sometimes employing methods to break up jams before they become too large or to alleviate their effects once they have formed.