Jäävirta

Jäävirta is a Finnish term that translates to "ice flow" or "glacial flow." It is most commonly used in the context of glaciology, referring to the movement of a glacier or ice sheet. Glaciers are large bodies of ice that form over many years from accumulated snow. Under their own weight, these ice masses begin to deform and flow downhill or outward, much like a very slow-moving river of ice. This movement is driven by gravity and the internal properties of the ice.

The speed of a jäävirta can vary greatly, from a few meters per year to hundreds of meters per year, depending on factors such as the slope of the underlying bedrock, the temperature of the ice, and the presence of meltwater at the base of the glacier. Meltwater can act as a lubricant, allowing the ice to slide more easily over the ground, thus increasing the speed of the flow. When a jäävirta reaches the ocean, it can break off to form icebergs, a process known as calving. The study of jäävirta is crucial for understanding glacial dynamics, predicting sea-level rise, and reconstructing past climates.