| Term: | Polynya |
| Definition: | A stable ice-free water space in or at the boundary of fast ice. Polynyas may contain very open broken and brash ice or be covered with new ice, nilas or young ice. A polynya is sometimes restricted by the shore from one side and is termed a shore polynya. If it is restricted by fast ice, then it is termed a flaw polynya. If it recurs in the same position every year, it is termed a recurring polynya. Polynyas can form in the pack, e.g. in the Weddell Sea. |