Floe

A floe is a large, flat mass of ice floating in the sea. It is typically formed by the freezing of seawater and can range in size from a few meters across to many kilometers. Floes are a significant component of polar ice packs and play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing a habitat for various organisms and influencing ocean currents. Their presence and movement are crucial for navigation and impact climate change through albedo effects.

Floe meaning with examples

• The research vessel carefully navigated through the shifting ice floe, mapping the distribution of seals. Sunlight glinted off the uneven surface of the floe. Scientists collected ice core samples from a large, stationary floe to study past climate conditions, analyzing the trapped air bubbles and chemical composition to gain insights into atmospheric changes. The massive floe extended as far as the horizon, a breathtaking spectacle. A polar bear was sighted hunting on the edge of a melting floe.
• Seabirds perched on the edges of the floe, scavenging for food, observing the ocean for fish. The photographer captured the dramatic beauty of the ice floe. Whales surfaced near a floe to breathe, finding shelter from the open water, the ice edge providing some protection. The floe presented a navigational hazard for ships. The floe began to break apart in spring, the ice beginning to thaw.
• The expedition team established a temporary base camp on a stable floe, studying the arctic's inhabitants. The wind howled across the floe, creating a desolate landscape of ice. The explorers encountered several polar bear families near the edge of the floe. During the winter, a single continuous floe can span miles, solidifying the water and providing a sturdy structure. They observed the formation of a new floe as seawater froze.
• The retreating floe revealed the effects of climate change on the ecosystem. The stranded seal was rescued from the slowly disintegrating floe, showing how difficult it is to get to open water. The scientists noted the reduced thickness of the floe compared to previous years. Changes in the floe's size affect ocean temperatures. Observing the fragility of the floe gives us a window into the future, if climate change remains in motion.
• Local Inuit hunters depended on the floe for travel and hunting. The floe's edge served as a feeding ground for marine animals. The unpredictable movement of the floe posed a constant challenge to the community. The villagers watched with concern as the floe began to crack and separate. The integrity of the floe was a critical part of the area's food supply.