The Deceptive Danger of Rotten Ice

Rotten ice looks solid but is actually a honeycomb of water and air. While it appears firm enough to walk on, its internal structure has completely disintegrated, making it a hidden trap for travelers.

This treacherous ice forms when warmth melts the boundaries between ice crystals from the inside out. Even if the surface looks like normal ice, it lacks the structural integrity to support any weight. It plays a major role in climate change by altering how heat moves between the ocean and the air. Sadly, this makes the environment much more unpredictable for polar bears and local communities who rely on stable ice for survival.