Floe: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
floe
[floส ]
Definition
ice formation
A floe is a large, flat piece of floating ice that typically forms in polar regions. It can vary in size, with some floes being quite small while others can span several square kilometers. Floes are an important aspect of the marine ecosystem, providing habitats for various species. They also play a significant role in reflecting sunlight and regulating ocean temperatures.
Synonyms
ice floe, ice sheet, ice slab.
Examples of usage
- The polar bears rested on the floe, looking for seals.
- Large floes drifted away from the ice cap, altering the ecosystem.
- The ship navigated carefully around the ice floes in the Arctic.
- Scientists studied the melting floes to understand climate change effects.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'floe' comes from the Dutch word 'vla,' meaning a flat surface.
- This term has been in English use since the 17th century, mainly describing icy expanses.
- It is often used in the context of polar regions where ice sheets break into smaller pieces.
Climate and Environment
- Floes are critical habitats for many marine animals, including seals and polar bears.
- As climate change causes ice to melt, floes are becoming less stable, affecting wildlife that depends on them.
- They act as a reflective surface that can help moderate ocean temperatures.
Navigation and Exploration
- Historically, sailors had to navigate carefully around floes to avoid damaging their ships.
- Explorers in the Arctic often used floes as platforms for launching expeditions or just resting.
- Modern icebreakers are designed specifically to handle and navigate through floes to maintain shipping routes.
Pop Culture
- Floes appear in movies and documentaries about the Arctic, often showcasing the beauty and danger of ice.
- Songs and literature have referenced the isolation and stark beauty of floes in polar landscapes.
- In Inuit culture, there are stories that share the significance of ice and floes in their way of life.
Translations
Translations of the word "floe" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ice floe
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคฐเฅเคซ เคเฅ เคเคพเคฆเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Eisscholle
๐ฎ๐ฉ lapisan es
๐บ๐ฆ ะฐะนัะฑะตัะณ
๐ต๐ฑ pokrywa lodowa
๐ฏ๐ต ๆฐทใฎๆฟ (ใใใใฎใใ)
๐ซ๐ท banquise
๐ช๐ธ banco de hielo
๐น๐ท buz tabakasฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๋นํ (๋นํ)
๐ธ๐ฆ ููุญ ุฌููุฏู
๐จ๐ฟ ledovรก deska
๐ธ๐ฐ ฤพadovรก doska
๐จ๐ณ ๅฐๅฑ (bฤซng cรฉng)
๐ธ๐ฎ ledenik
๐ฎ๐ธ รญsflรถtur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผาฑะท าะฐะฑะฐัั
๐ฌ๐ช แงแแแฃแแแก แคแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ buz tษbษqษsi
๐ฒ๐ฝ plano de hielo