Formation, Growth, and Decay of Sea-Ice in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Author: Bilello, Michael A.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1961
• Subjects: Ablation; Accumulation; Atmospheric temperature; Climatology; Growth; Mathematical models; Sea ice; Snow; Snow cover; Thickness; Alert; Nunavut; Eureka; Isachsen; Mould Bay (Weather Station); N.W.T; Resolute; Arctic; Canadian Arctic Archipelago; Mould Bay; Arctic Archipelago
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/66708

Equations relating the accretion and decay of sea ice to standard meteorological data are derived empirically from observations at Alert, Eureka, Isachsen, Mould Bay, and Resolute, 1947-1957. The differential equations permit calculation of ice growth by increments, and contain a separate term allowing for variations in snow-cover depths. The use of the formulas requires only a knowledge of air temperatures and snow depths. Good correlation is found between decrease in ice thickness and accumulated degree-days above -1.8°C. The stations' locations and names of adjacent water bodies are indicated with the approximate water depths where ice thickness measurements were made. Techniques used in the measurements are described; data on observed ice thickness, accumulated degree-days of frost, and average snow depths for 20-cm increments of ice growth are tabulated.--From CRREL.