See a Giant, Spinning Ice Disk Form on River
August 15, 2017 - These spinning ice disks may seem bizarre, but scientists have a simple explanation for their movement. Originally, researchers thought flowing river water created a whirlpool. A 2016 study found the motion was spurred by changing water temperatures. A vortex is formed when less dense warm water interacts with the cold surface ice. Flowing water is still needed to help the vortex spin, making it unlikely to be seen in lakes or icebergs.
Click here to read Watch Giant, Spinning Ice Disk Form on River.
These spinning ice disks may seem bizarre, but scientists have a simple explanation for their movement. Originally, researchers thought flowing river water created a whirlpool. A 2016 study found the motion was spurred by changing water temperatures. A vortex is formed when less dense warm water interacts with the cold surface ice. Flowing water is still needed to help the vortex spin, making it unlikely to be seen in lakes or icebergs.
