jäävuoret

Jäävuoret are large masses of ice that have broken off from glaciers or ice sheets and are floating in open water. They are primarily composed of freshwater ice that has accumulated over many years from snow. The vast majority of a glacier's mass is hidden beneath the surface of the water; typically, only about 10% of an iceberg is visible above sea level. This is due to the difference in density between ice and saltwater.

Icebergs originate from glaciers that flow into the sea or from ice shelves that calve off large sections of ice. The process of breaking off is called calving. Once calved, icebergs drift with ocean currents and winds. They can travel for thousands of kilometers, sometimes reaching surprisingly warm latitudes before melting.

The size of icebergs can vary dramatically, from small growlers that are less than a meter across to massive tabular icebergs that can be hundreds of kilometers long and wide. The largest iceberg ever recorded, known as B-15, was approximately 11,000 square kilometers in area.

Icebergs pose significant navigational hazards for ships. Their submerged portions are unpredictable and can cause severe damage. Historically, the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, which struck an iceberg, highlighted this danger and led to the establishment of ice patrol services.

The melting of icebergs contributes freshwater to the ocean, which can affect local salinity and ocean circulation patterns. As global temperatures rise, calving events are becoming more frequent and larger, contributing to sea-level rise.