# Application of RiTiCE in understanding hydro-meteorological controls on ice break-up patterns in River Tornionjoki

## TL;DR

This study examines how ice break-up patterns in River Tornionjoki vary with latitude and season, using observations and remote sensing.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the spatiotemporal patterns of river ice break-up in relation to latitude and season.

## Key findings

- Ice break-up in River Tornionjoki occurs between April and June, varying by latitude.
- Lower latitude stations experience earlier ice break-up compared to higher latitude stations.
- Average ice break-up days range from 200–205 in lower latitudes and 215–228 in higher latitudes.

## Abstract

The Arctic region experiences significant annual hydrologic events, with the spring flood and ice break-up being the most prominent. River ice break-up, in particular, poses high socioeconomic and ecological expenses, including morphological changes and damage to riverine structures. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal patterns of river ice in the River Tornionjoki, including the timing of ice break-up at different latitudes. We utilized observation data and remote sensing techniques to track changes in ice patterns overtime on the River Tornionjoki. The study indicates that the ice break-up in the River Tornionjoki basin typically occurs during Apr-Jun based on the reach location in different latitudes; therefore, different stations behave according to their latitudinal location. We observed significant spatial variations in ice break-up timing across the basin, with an earlier break-up in the lower latitudes compared to the upper latitudes. The average ice break-up day in lower latitude stations ranges between 200–205, while in higher latitude stations the average ice break-up day ranges between 215–228.