Polynya
Polynya (Puh-lin-yah)
Polynya (pronounced as /pəˈlɪnjə/) is a term used in Oceanography and Climatology to describe an area of open water surrounded by sea ice. The term is derived from the Russian word "полынья" which means "hole in the ice".
Etymology
The term "Polynya" is of Russian origin, specifically from the word "полынья" (polynya), which translates to "hole in the ice". This term was first used in the 19th century by Russian explorers to describe areas of open water in sea ice.
Definition
A Polynya is a semi-permanent area of open water in sea ice. It is an important feature of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Polynyas are areas where the sea ice cover is persistently absent, due to factors such as wind and ocean currents. They play a crucial role in the production of sea ice and the ventilation of deep ocean waters.
Related Terms
- Sea Ice: Sea ice is simply frozen ocean water. It forms, grows, and melts in the ocean.
- Oceanography: The study of the physical and biological aspects of the ocean.
- Climatology: The scientific study of climate, defined as weather conditions averaged over a period of time.
- Arctic: The Arctic is a polar region located at the northernmost part of the Earth.
- Antarctic: The Antarctic is the polar region around the Earth's South Pole, opposite the Arctic region around the North Pole.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polynya
- Wikipedia's article - Polynya
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