Ice strength information in the Canadian Arctic : From science to operations

• Main Authors: Gauthier, M.-F., De Abreu, R., Timco, G. W., Johnston, M. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2002
• Subjects: Arctic; Iceberg*; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/accepted/?id=a531982f-82d7-45e6-bb65-7a2ba8c33fdd; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=a531982f-82d7-45e6-bb65-7a2ba8c33fdd; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=a531982f-82d7-45e6-bb65-7a2ba8c33fdd

The Canadian Ice Service (CIS) promotes safe and efficient maritime operations and helps protect Canada's environment by providing reliable and timely information about sea ice, lake ice and iceberg conditions in Canadian waters. New initiatives at the CIS have highlighted the need for improved information regarding the seasonal decay of sea ice. Specifically, CIS requires reliable, efficient techniques whereby the seasonal decrease in first year ice strength can be monitored and reported regularly. In the past few years, considerable work has been done to categorize and characterize the decay process of Arctic first year ice and to develop ways of estimating its spring and summer strength. This paper will report on the development of a prototype ice strength product provided by the CIS to the Canadian Arctic marine community in the spring of 2002. The theoretical basis for the product, the implementation at the CIS and its utilization by mariners will be discussed. NRC publication: Yes