Energy dissipation through melting in large scale indentation experiments on multi-year sea ice

• Main Authors: Gagnon, R. E., Sinha, N. K.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 1991
• Subjects: Arctic; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/eng/view/object/?id=28bb8111-947c-445b-a987-bd265435104f; https://nrc-publications.canada.ca/fra/voir/objet/?id=28bb8111-947c-445b-a987-bd265435104f

Large scale indentation experiments have been performed in the multi-year sea ice at Hobson's Choice Ice Island. In situ temperature measurements at the ice/indentor interface during testing indicated that the temperature rose to 0°C, suggesting the presence of liquid. Thin section analysis of ice that had bonded to an indentor after a test showed very small diameter grains (-.3 mm) wiith rust particulate inclusions, from the indentor face, at grain boundaries. This was indicative of the presence and rapid freezing of lquid. Video records of the ice/indentor interface during indentation and records of displacement, load and temperature were consistent with a process of pressure melting and heat generation by flow of the melt. Peer reviewed: Yes NRC publication: Yes