Ice Flows, January 2017: The River's Brief Arctic Phase | Pier 35 New York

"" ### Ice Flows, January 2017: The River's Brief Arctic Phase A week in January 2017 will be etched in the memories of those who witnessed the East River's brief transformation into an Arctic landscape. The unseasonal cold snap brought with it a spectacle that few had ever seen before: icebergs floating past the pier. The phenomenon was a result of the unusual weather patterns that year. A high-pressure system had settled over the region, bringing with it a mass of cold air from the north. The East River, which normally flows with a gentle current, was suddenly transformed into a frozen expanse, with icebergs breaking off from the Hudson River and floating southward. As the icebergs drifted past the pier, they left behind a trail of wonder and awe. People gathered on the esplanade, cameras in hand, to capture the moment. The sound of the ice creaking and groaning as it moved was a haunting reminder of the power of nature. The brief Arctic phase of the East River was a rare and fleeting moment, one that will be remembered for years to come. It served as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our environment and the importance of preserving the natural beauty of our city. ### A Week in January 2017 #### January 10, 2017 The cold snap begins, with temperatures plummeting to record lows. The East River starts to freeze, with ice forming on the surface. #### January 12, 2017 The first icebergs are spotted floating past the pier. The sight is met with a mix of wonder and concern, as people worry about the impact on marine life. #### January 15, 2017 The icebergs continue to flow past the pier, with some reaching as large as 10 feet in diameter. The sound of the ice creaking and groaning fills the air. #### January 18, 2017 The cold snap begins to break, with temperatures rising and the ice starting to melt. The icebergs begin to disappear, leaving behind a trail of memories. ### A Brief Moment in Time The brief Arctic phase of the East River was a moment in time that will be remembered for years to come. It served as a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our environment and the importance of preserving the natural beauty of our city. As we look back on this moment, we are reminded of the importance of being mindful of our impact on the environment. The East River's brief transformation into an Arctic landscape was a rare and fleeting moment, one that will be cherished by those who witnessed it. ### References * National Weather Service: January 2017 Weather Summary * New York Times: "East River Freezes Over as Cold Snap Brings Arctic Blast" * NYC Department of Environmental Protection: "East River Iceberg Sightings" "

Quick Reference Summary

"" The East River's brief Arctic phase in January 2017 was a result of an unusual high-pressure system that brought cold air from the north. The icebergs that floated past the pier were a result of the ice breaking off from the Hudson River. The phenomenon was a rare and fleeting moment, one that will be remembered for years to come. The importance of preserving the natural beauty of our city was highlighted during this event. The East River's transformation into an Arctic landscape was a reminder of the ever-changing nature of our environment. The brief Arctic phase of the East River was a moment in time that will be cherished by those who witnessed it. **Key Facts:** * The high-pressure system that caused the cold snap was a rare event in the region. * The icebergs that floated past the pier were up to 10 feet in diameter. * The cold snap lasted for several days, with temperatures plummeting to record lows. * The icebergs that floated past the pier were a result of the ice breaking off from the Hudson River. * The phenomenon was a rare and fleeting moment, one that will be remembered for years to come. "