An ice skating phenomenon might explain the snowball effect behind icy avalanches. Tumbling ice particles collide and melt, accelerating this mini-avalanche. Credit: Barbara Turnbull | University of Nottingham (ISNS) -- The same physics behind ice skating may explain why massive ice avalanches can develop so quickly according to new research. In 2002, a small disturbance on a mountain slope in the Russian Republic of North Ossetia set off a deadly ice avalanche, engulfing two glaciers en route to unsuspecting villagers. The destruction started with the collapse of 100 million cubic meters of ice and rock, which eventually stormed through a river valley toward villages at 175 miles per hour. Over 100 villagers were killed, and similar avalanches in the Alps and in North America have threatened local populations over the past few years.
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