Lead (sea ice) refers to a stretch of open water within a field of sea ice. The lead is caused by movements of the ice due to wind, or to currents in the underlying water, and may open and close again within a brief period; alternatively it may remain open more or less permanently. The so-called "Big Lead", off the North Greenland coast, was discovered in 1906 by Robert Peary on his first (unsuccessful) North Polar trek, and was still there when he made his second attempt in 1909.

See also

• Polynya

Sources

• Fleming, Fergus: Ninety Degrees North Granta Books, London 2001 ISBN 1 86207 449 6