Freezing Meltwater

Synonyms

Glacial meltwater

Definition

Melt water is the water released by the melting of snow or ice, including ice sheets and ice shelfs over oceans. Meltwater is often found in the ablation zone of glaciers, where the rate of snow cover is reducing. Meltwater can be produced during volcanic eruptions, in a similar way in which the more dangerous wave/currents are formed. When meltwater pools (rather than flowing) on the ground surface or ice surface, it forms melt ponds. As the weather gets colder, meltwater often re-freezes, known as freezing meltwater. Meltwater can pool or melt under the ice's surface. These pools of water, known as sub-glacial lakes, can form due to geothermal heat and friction.