polynya

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Earth from space. Full-hemisphere views of the Earth showing Hurricane Linda at its peak approaching Baja California on 1997 September 11.

What Is Earth’s Velocity?

Solar system illustration. (planets; sun)

Why Are Planets Round?

World map. Continents. Oceans. Mendel thumb ok

Just How Many Oceans Are There?

ripped torn flag, pirate, skull

Are There Laws on the High Seas?

A big, powerful wave breaking near the shore.

What Makes a Wave Go Rogue?

Discover

Calendar marking march 15th

22 Questions About Time and Timekeeping Answered

Common, or southern, cassowary (Casuarius casuarius).

8 Birds That Can’t Fly

Space race (1957-1969) infographic between United States (U.S.) and Russia. America, Soviet Union, U.S.S.R., space exploration

Timeline of the Space Race, 1957–69

Hindu Holi Festival celebrations with colored water, powder and colorful flower petals thrown over celebrants at a Hindu temple in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India on March 24, 2021.

Holi: Festival of Colors

Hemp (Cannabis sativa).

9 Mind-Altering Plants

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in 2019. (Meghan Markle, British royalty)

6 Things You Should Know About Meghan, Duchess of Sussex

Close up of periodic table, focus on nickel, copper, zinc, palladium, silver, cadmium

When Was the Periodic Table Invented?

polynya: Facts & Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	polynia

Topics

pack ice glacier permafrost iceberg ice in lakes and rivers sea ice

Quiz

Shallow staghorn water corals in fringing reef at low tide in Thailand. (coral reefs; endangered area; ocean habitat; sea habitat; coral reef)

Unknown Waters

water glass on white background. (drink; clear; clean water; liquid)

Water and its Varying Forms