LARGE-SCALE CHARACTERISTICS OF FRACTURES IN MULTI-YEAR ARCTIC PACK ICE

Fractures (leads) in sea ice occur in a large range of scales, from widths of metres to kilometres. Multi-sensor remote sensing methods allow for the determination of fracture characteristics throughout the full range of scales. Thermal and visible wavelength data from operational satellites allow for detection of features greater than 250 metres wide, with coverage several times per day. Higher resolution imagery can be used to determine smaller-scale lead characteristics. Defence Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) imagery is used to determine the distribution of large fractures. Case studies were conducted for the Canada Basin using satellite observations from the period 1980-85. Wind fields, derived from Arctic Ocean Buoy Program pressure data are correlated with the observed fracture fields, providing a quantitative relationship between fracture orientation and geostrophic winds. Increased understanding of fracture fields and their relationship to atmospheric and other forcings furthers our knowledge of ice dynamics and can be useful for engineering and transportation in the Arctic.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • POAC 89; Port and Ocean Engineering under Arctic Conditions, 12-16 June, Luleaa, Sweden. Proc v 1, Luleaa Univ Tech, Res Rpt TULEA 1989:08, v 1, p 103 [10 p, 12 ref, 2 tab, 4 fig]
• Authors:
  • Miles, M W
  • Barry, R G
• Publication Date: 1989

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Dynamics; Fracture mechanics; Ice phenomena; Pack ice
• Old TRIS Terms: Ice dynamics
• Subject Areas: Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00699143
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM