Lake ice is weakening in Sweden, risking risks to winter activities

Frozen slash or snow -made ice core is much weaker than ice, and researchers from universities in Gothenburg and Upsala have seen that this type of delicate ice has become more common on Swedish lakes over the last 50 years.

Scandinavian lake snow has become thin and structurally weakened in recent years. Results of 21 Swedish lakes suggest that in the last five decades, the thickness of snow has been reduced by an average of 0.22 cm per year. But the quality and thus the load-bearing capacity of ice cover has also deteriorated. These are a conclusion Study Published in the journal Ambio,

“The structure of the lake snow is rapidly changing in a hot world. By 2023, nine of the surveyed lakes became unsafe for ice skates, winter fishermen and others who depend on frozen lakes. It is mainly because the air temperature changes more.

Refrogens ice is weak

The long, continuous duration of sub-zero air temperature is more frequent, and it is true in large parts of Sweden. Climate change has contributed to more frequent frequent freezing cycles. Studies have shown that there is a strong relationship between the number of days with air temperature above the cold and the decrease in the thickness of the core ice, the strongest and the safest type that is formed when the lake water continuously cold During the snow during.

Hot days means that the formation of core ice is disrupted and weak white ice, which contains high air bubbles and pollutants, become more common. The snowfall further enhanced the problem by insulating the snow, and also created a slush, which later turns into white snow. This change results in ice which is very weak and broken when loaded. This is true, even if it is quite thick.

The ice cover varies beyond a lake

“This is not enough to measure only thickness. For anyone traveling on lake ice, it is important to assess the quality of ice. The core ice is strong and dark, while white snow clouds and very weak Also, ice, ice is not the same on a whole lake, so you need to check the thickness and quality of the snow, “Petanell.

A rule of thumb from the Ice Safety Council and the Swedish Snomevobile Owners Association is that the cores for running or skating should be at least 10 cm thick, and at least 15 cm for snowmobiles. Before exiting ice, it is important to check the latest temperature trends, as hot days can quickly weaken ice. Cracking sounds or visible slopes indicate instability. In addition, it is important to hurt snow and not stay alone on ice.

“To avoid an increase in fatal drowning in winter, researchers advised that organizations such as snow security council regularly monitors the structure of ice, develop better warning systems, review snow safety guidelines and reviews and snow They prepare society for major changes in the situation. “