Analysis of floe velocity characteristics in small-scaled zone in offshore waters in the eastern coast of Liaodong Bay

Abstract

Based on ice conditions and environmental data obtained through fixed-site monitoring in coastal waters in the eastern coast of Liaodong Bay in two winters from 2012 to 2014, we determined the statistical characteristics of floe velocity in local small-scaled zone in the nearshore waters and analyzed the influences of offshore distance, ocean current velocity, and wind velocity on floe velocity. Moreover, the relationship between instantaneous floe velocity direction and other two directions (wind direction and ocean current direction) was discussed. The dominant floe velocity direction in nearshore waters in the eastern coast of Liaodong Bay was NE–SW, which was parallel to the general coastline trend. Offshore distance showed a significant influence on floe velocity in nearshore waters. The floe velocity in the waters within the offshore distance of 100m was significantly restricted and generally below 45cm/s. The floe velocity in the waters beyond the offshore distance of 100m was not affected by coastline and showed the positive correlation with ocean current velocity and the insignificant correlation with wind velocity. Instantaneous floe velocity direction showed no significant correlation with wind direction or ocean current direction, displaying certain randomness. Because the study sea area in the paper is characterized by the typical artificial coastline, the study results can be applicable in the reasonable selection and determination of sea ice design conditions in nearshore projects.