SEA ICE, PART 1: MAJOR FEATURES AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

The article on Sea Ice is presented in a three-part series. Part 1 includes background, history, and the major features and physical properties. Part 2 is a discussion of the distribution in North American waters and forecast services; and part 3, a discussion of the distribution in Eurasian waters and forecast services. Sea ice is placed in two categories. The first is that ice that forms from the shoreline and expands seaward after initial formation. This so called fast ice is relatively flat on its upper surface and is attached to the shore rigidly. Drift or pack ice on the other hand, tends to be characterized by a much rougher surface than that of fast ice. A further difference is its usual development into characteristic circular or ovate forms, during the early months of development. It is a result of deformation both at sea and along the shore that is caused by variable wind, current stresses, and ocean wave action. Additional features are described and various cognate processes are explained.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Order under #COM-73-90027-03. Included in Mariners Weather Log, v17 n3 pl25-134 May 73.
• Corporate Authors:

  Naval Oceanographic Office

  Washington, DC  United States 
• Authors:
  • WITTMANN, W
  • Burkhart, M D
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Pagination: 11 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Ice; Ice by location; Ice floes; Ice formations; Ice islands; Icebergs; Pack ice; Physical properties; Sea ice; Weather forecasting
• Candidate Terms: Ice forecasting
• Identifier Terms: U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• Uncontrolled Terms: Ice properties
• Geographic Terms: Baffin Bay
• Old TRIS Terms: Calving; Fast ice; Ice distribution; Ice openings
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050846
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 31 1974 12:00AM