Ice ridge evolution: Investigation in-situ and computer simulations

Abstract

The article presents a two-dimensional three-layer non-stationary thermodynamic model allowing to calculate the annual variation (thermodynamic evolution) of the ice ridge using external meteorological and hydrological parameters as well as the information on the initial ice ridge porosity. For the test model simulation, the results of the study of morphometric characteristics of the ice ridge carried out in May-June 2011 and in April 2012 at « North Pole −38» and «North Pole −39» drifting stations were used. These studies were conducted using electric thermal drilling with computer recording of the penetration rate. Boreholes were drilled along the cross-section of the ridge crest at 0.5 m intervals. Cross-sectional profiles of ice ridge are illustrated. Applying the proposed model, it was possible to adequately reproduce the observed evolutionary changes in the main morphometric parameters (sail height, keel depth, thickness of the consolidated layer) of the investigated ice ridge.