Book 19, Question 120
What Is Spring Breakup on a Northern River?
Spring breakup is when the ice on a northern river breaks apart and moves! It is the end of the frozen winter and the start of open water. Northern towns watch for it very closely.
More fun facts
- Spring breakup is when river ice breaks up and starts to move.
- Melting snow raises the water and lifts the ice.
- The ice moves in fits and starts and sometimes jams.
- Breakup can bring big floods.
- Warming is making breakup come earlier in the far north.
Sources: NASA, National Park Service, NASA
Questions kids ask
What lifts the ice at breakup?
Melting snow raises the water and lifts the ice.