Jäävuoriin

Jäävuoriin, meaning "icebergs" in Finnish, refers to large pieces of freshwater ice that have broken off from glaciers or ice shelves and are floating freely in open water. The term itself is a direct Finnish translation of the concept. These massive structures are predominantly found in polar regions, particularly the Arctic and Antarctic.

The vast majority of an iceberg's mass, estimated to be around 90%, lies hidden beneath the surface of the water, a phenomenon often referred to as the "tip of the iceberg." This submerged portion is what makes them a significant hazard to shipping. The visible portion above water, while impressive in size, represents only a fraction of the total ice mass.

Icebergs are formed through a process called calving, where ice breaks away from a parent glacier or ice shelf due to stress, erosion, or wave action. Their journey is dictated by ocean currents and winds. As they drift into warmer waters, they begin to melt, releasing freshwater into the ocean and contributing to sea-level rise over extended periods. The sheer scale and transient nature of jäävuoriin make them fascinating subjects of study in glaciology and oceanography, as well as a symbol of the dynamic polar environments.