Jänenväli

Jänenväli is a geological term referring to the space or gap between two pieces of ice that have fractured or separated. This term is often used in the context of sea ice, where dynamic forces such as wind, currents, and wave action can cause ice floes to break apart, creating openings. These openings can vary in size from narrow cracks to large expanses of open water known as leads.

The formation of jänenväli is a natural process that plays a significant role in the overall dynamics of sea ice cover. The width and extent of jänenväli can change rapidly depending on environmental conditions. Understanding the formation and evolution of these ice gaps is important for various fields, including climate research, shipping, and Arctic wildlife studies, as they influence heat and moisture exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere and can serve as critical habitats or travel routes for marine mammals. The term originates from Finnish, where "jänen" relates to ice and "väli" means interval or gap.