Field test of "ice-fence" for oceanographic observation in the sea-ice zone

The powerful ice-breaking capability of the Japanese icebreaker Shirase raises the possibility of marine observations in the fast-ice and/or permanent ice zone; however, it has been difficult to use conventional equipment in such areas due to the risk of damage by sea-ice. The marine biological moni...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Kunio T. Takahashi, Takahiro Iida, Gen Hashida, Tsuneo Odate
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: National Institute of Polar Research 2012
Subjects:
geo
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.15094/00009667
https://doaj.org/article/f36744d996844d8f8cec8686fe579723
Description
Summary:The powerful ice-breaking capability of the Japanese icebreaker Shirase raises the possibility of marine observations in the fast-ice and/or permanent ice zone; however, it has been difficult to use conventional equipment in such areas due to the risk of damage by sea-ice. The marine biological monitoring program in the sea-ice area off Syowa Station was started during the 52nd Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition to overcome the difficulties encountered when performing conventional oceanographic observations. The program employs "ice-fence" (diameter: 1000 mm, height: 700 mm, stainless-steel), which has been successful in protecting the observation equipment (e.g., plankton nets and CTDs) from damage by sea-ice. This report describes the results of field tests of the performance of "ice-fence" for oceanographic observations in sea-ice areas. Possible improvements to the system are also suggested.