The water reduces the friction between the object and the solid ice, making it more slick. The reason ice feels slippery is because when solid surfaces, like skating blades, move over it, the friction cause a very thin layer to melt. The air temperature needs to remain below freezing for a long period of time to allow for thicker ice to build up below the top layer.Īccording to the Canadian Red Cross, ice must be about six inches (15 cm) thick for it to be skated upon safely. This cold water rises to the top, eventually forming ice. Water freezes from the top down because, after it gets below 39☏ (4☌), it gets less dense as it gets colder. That's because this temperature is only cold enough for a thin layer of ice over the top of ponds and lakes, which is fragile and could easily melt away. He is currently testing thermosyphons, used in the far north to prevent permafrost from thawing beneath railways, roads, pipelines and buildings, to regulate canal ice temperatures.īut he warned that adaptation may not be enough in the future: 'Eventually we'll get to a stage where it might not be possible to open the skateway.'Įveryone knows that ice forms from liquid water when it reaches 32☏ (0☌), but just because frost has appeared overnight does not mean it is time to get your skates on. Shawn Kenny, a professor at Carleton University in Ottawa who studies climate impacts on ice, has tried various fixes inspired from ski hills and seasonal ice roads in the Arctic, for example, using snow fans to blow ice crystals onto the canal to kickstart ice formation, and clearing snow that acts as insulation. The National Capital Commission has ordered a flurry of climate adaptation studies to try to keep the skateway open earlier in the season and for longer periods. 'Skating on the canal is our blockbuster (attraction) and what people talk about, why they come back,' he explained.
The city was forced to scale back outdoor activities for its annual Winterlude festival, which runs until February 20, while hotel association president Steve Ball said bookings are way down. Local businesses, after suffering through pandemic lockdowns and a disruptive trucker-led protest last year, are taking a big hit. 'I don't think anyone has seen it this bad,' said Davey Wright, who operates shacks on the canal selling flat fried dough dusted with sugar or cinnamon. That view was echoed by Canada's environment minister, Steven Guilbeault, who said Tuesday, 'This is yet another example of how our climate is changing in Canada.' But the situation highlights 'the impact that climate change has on us here.'įILE PHOTO: Skaters are seen sliding under a bridge on the Rideau skateway
'It's really too bad for all the businesses and all the people who find joy' in skating, said student Clara Harman-Denhoed, 22. But its opening has shifted later and later over the years, and for shorter periods. The skateway normally opens at the end of December for 30 to 60 days of skating. 'It's part of the DNA of local residents and attracts a lot of visitors from afar,' said Devine. They would leisurely skate up and down it, taking in views of parliament and quaint neighbourhoods, stopping at warming huts or food stands along the way offering snacks and hot beverages.Ĭommuters were also seen skating to work with a briefcase in hand. The winding 7.8-kilometre long (4.8 miles) skateway through the heart of Ottawa is the size of 90 Olympic rinks, according to Guinness World Records, which in 2005 confirmed it was the biggest anywhere, and in recent years attracted an average of 22,000 visitors per day. FILE PHOTOS: Skaters delight in Winterlude celebrations in on the Rideau Skateway, Ottawa
0 kommentar(er)
