Ice Jams On Rivers Essay

The problem I chose to write about is the build up of ice jams on rivers. In winter time, large amounts of ice may gather up, stopping the river from flowing. The floating ice often builds up near river bends, mouths of tributaries, and points where river slope decreases.This is a problem often faced in Ottawa, and is extremely dangerous, as it may cause floods when the melted ice is added to the river and harm the people living near it. To solve this problem, the ice is blown up with the use of dynamite.

The ice jams are exploded in different ways in different places. They can be placed from the shore, or by helicopters. The usual techniques is to plant two rows of explosives along the lowest points of the river (called the Thalweg axis)

The rapid expansion causes the liquid nitroglycerin to combust. The decomposition is caused by a supersonic shock wave which passes through the material, and instantly destroys the molecules in it. The quick destruction of the molecules is called a detonation, and the rapid expansion of gas which is the cause of the large blast. The decomposition of the nitroglycerin can be caused by heat, or movement, it is most often lit on

The use of dynamite can cause a great harm to the nature and wildlife surrounding the river. The biggest threat is towards fish. The blast causes the pressure to change drastically from high to low which can cause ruptures in fish’s organs, causing them to die instantly. The pressure change can also cause bleeding from the gills, which causes the fish to die from a secondary infection. The explosion can sometimes stir up sediment from the river bed which makes it hard for fish to use their gills