floe etymology

Etymology:

  • Old English "flōwende" (a floating mass of ice)
  • Ultimately derived from Proto-Indo-European root "*pleu-" (to flow, float)

Meaning:

A floe is a large, flat piece of floating ice, typically formed from frozen seawater. It can vary in size from small fragments to vast sheets covering hundreds of square kilometers.

Origin:

The term "floe" has been used in English since the 14th century to describe floating ice. It originally referred to any type of floating ice, but over time it has come to be used specifically for large, flat pieces.

Floes are formed when seawater freezes and expands, creating a layer of ice on the surface. As the ice cover grows thicker, it can crack and break apart, forming individual floes. Floes can also be formed when glaciers calve, or break off into the ocean.

Floes can move freely with the currents and winds. They can collide with each other, forming larger ice floes or creating ice jams. Floes can also melt, releasing freshwater into the ocean.

Floes are common in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where they play a significant role in the ecosystem and influence the climate. They provide a habitat for a variety of marine life, including polar bears, seals, and walruses. Floes can also affect shipping and navigation, as they can block waterways and pose a hazard to vessels.

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