Lead (sea Ice)
Leads /ˈliːdz/ are large fractures within an expanse of sea ice, defining a linear area of open water that can be used for navigation purposes. They vary in width from meters to hundreds of meters. Leads, along with polynyas (another sea ice feature involving open water), allow the direct interaction between the atmosphere and the ocean, and are important for Arctic sea ice ecology. If the air is cold enough (typically in the winter), the water within a lead quickly refreezes, such that in many cases, leads are partly or entirely covered by a thin layer of new ice.
Read more about Lead (sea Ice): Differences Between Leads and Polynyas, Lead Formation, Ice Formation in Leads, Types of Leads
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