Jäätymissulatus

Jäätymissulatus, also known as de-icing, is the process of removing ice, snow, or frost from surfaces. This is typically done to improve safety, especially on transportation infrastructure like roads, bridges, and aircraft. The most common methods involve the application of chemical agents, such as salt (sodium chloride, calcium chloride) or liquid de-icing fluids. These chemicals work by lowering the freezing point of water, preventing ice from forming or causing existing ice to melt.

Mechanical methods are also employed, which include plowing snow, scraping ice, or using heated surfaces. In aviation, de-icing is crucial before takeoff to ensure aircraft wings and control surfaces are free of ice, which can significantly impair aerodynamic performance. For roads, anti-icing, a preventative measure, is often used where de-icing agents are applied before a storm to prevent ice bonding to the surface. The choice of method depends on factors like the type and amount of precipitation, temperature, traffic volume, and environmental considerations, as some de-icing agents can have negative impacts on vegetation and water bodies.