Aufeis

Aufeis, also known as icing or overflow ice, is a layered ice mass that forms from successive flows of water freezing. It typically occurs in areas with cold climates, such as Alaska, Siberia, and northern Canada, where groundwater or river water emerges onto the surface and freezes incrementally during the winter months.

The formation of aufeis begins when a flow of water reaches the surface, often through cracks in the existing ice cover, unfrozen sections of a riverbed, or from springs. As the water spreads out, it freezes in layers. Subsequent water flows over the previously frozen layer, adding to the mass of ice. This process can repeat numerous times throughout the winter, creating a substantial accumulation of ice that can cover large areas.

Aufeis formations can have significant impacts on the environment and infrastructure. They can block waterways, alter river flow patterns, and impede fish migration. In addition, aufeis can damage roads, bridges, and pipelines. The weight of the ice can cause structural damage, and the freezing and thawing cycles can lead to erosion and instability.

The extent and thickness of aufeis formations vary depending on factors such as the water source, temperature, and topography. Some aufeis fields can persist for several months, even into the spring or summer, before melting completely. Monitoring and predicting aufeis formation are important for managing its impacts and ensuring the safety of infrastructure and ecosystems in cold regions.