An unusual winter scene is unfolding on the Elbe River near Hamburg, Germany, as meter-high icebergs have formed upstream from Geesthacht. The phenomenon is the result of efforts by a fleet of icebreakers stationed in Geesthacht to combat a significant ice barrier at a weir, breaking the river’s ice cover into smaller bergs that are now stranded along the Elbe’s banks due to low water levels.
Unusual Ice Formation Draws Spectators
The spectacle has attracted numerous onlookers over the weekend, with people walking among the unusual icy landscape. According to Andreas Schultz, head of the special ship fleet at the Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSA), “We’ve never seen anything like this before.” He told the German newspaper Bild that at least 500,000 liters of water per second are needed for the ice to flow properly, but recent measurements have shown only around 300,000 liters per second.
The low water levels are also impacting the icebreakers themselves. “We can only operate during high water,” Schultz explained to the Hamburger Abendblatt. “If the water level is too low, we could run aground – and that’s obviously not possible.”
What Happens Next?
If water levels remain low, the icebreakers may be limited in their ability to clear the ice barrier, potentially leading to further ice accumulation. Should water levels rise, the icebreakers could more effectively manage the ice flow. It is also possible that warmer temperatures could naturally break up the ice formations, though this is not guaranteed given the recent cold spell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing the icebergs to form on the Elbe?
The icebergs are forming because the icebreaker fleet is actively breaking up a large ice barrier at a weir on the Elbe. The resulting smaller pieces of ice are then becoming stranded along the riverbank due to low water levels.
How much water flow is needed to clear the ice?
According to Andreas Schultz, at least 500,000 liters of water per second are needed for the ice to flow properly down the Elbe.
When was the last time this many icebreakers were deployed on the Elbe?
The current deployment of up to ten icebreakers is the largest since 2013.
As the unusual ice formations continue to draw attention, will the Elbe’s water levels rise enough to allow for a return to normal river traffic?
