The melting of ice (or the act of removing/melting ice), referring to natural thawing or deliberate de-icing.
春の融氷で湖の全面が徐々に開けてきた。
With the spring thaw, the entire surface of the lake gradually opened up.
今年は気温が高く、例年より融氷が早かった。
This year temperatures were high, and the thaw occurred earlier than usual.
道路管理者は安全のため夜間に融氷作業を行った。
Road managers carried out de-icing work at night for safety.