Ice Formation Research Articles

Photothermal superhydrophobic coupled functional surface with active anti/de-icing performance

Ice adhesion has caused serious impacts on the engineering field, such as the safety and efficiency of equipment operation. Photothermal superhydrophobic surfaces are a potentially effective anti/de-icing method by combining solar heat with low-energy hydrophobic surfaces to prevent icing formation or accelerate ice melting. During the present study, the photothermal superhydrophobic was prepared on the aluminum alloy surface, as well as polypropylene coating and photothermal coating. The light absorption, wettability, and anti/de-icing properties of different surfaces were systematically investigated. The photothermal superhydrophobic coating has good light absorption efficiency and can increase the surface temperature by approximately 35 °C within the same illumination time. The contact angle of the photothermal superhydrophobic coating is 162°, which not only demonstrates good anti/de-icing performance but also can delay the freezing time of attached water independent of the refrigeration method. After 50 mechanical stability tests and chemical stability tests, the photothermal superhydrophobic coating still maintains good durability. The present study demonstrates that photothermal superhydrophobic surface is a promising anti/de-icing coating with stable performance for engineering applications.

Closed-cell Polyurethane In-situ Foaming Hofneycomb for Enhanced Energy Absorption and Water Intrusion Resistance

To achieve novel core with high energy absorption and strong water intrusion resistance, a composite structure was created by employing in-situ foaming of closed-cell polyurethane (PU) in a honeycomb structure. Experimental, theoretical, and finite element analyses revealed that the in-situ foaming technique increased the honeycomb's energy absorption by 312.84% and improved impact efficiency by 61.45% while maintaining specific energy absorption (SEA). Remarkably, this composite structure surpassed the energy absorption capacity of individual honeycomb and foam. The coupling gain ratio introduced by the foam increases within a certain range as the honeycomb cell size decreases and wall thickness increases, with little influence from the foam's mechanical properties. Water intrusion, leading to ice formation at low temperatures, drastically reduced honeycomb SEA by 94.61% and impaired mechanical properties significantly. Closed-cell PU in-situ foaming provided exceptional water intrusion resistance, preserving the honeycomb's mechanical performance, including energy absorption and SEA.

ЖАЙЫҚ ӨЗЕНІНДЕГІ МҰЗ ҚҰБЫЛЫСТАРЫ МЕН МЕТЕОЭЛЕМЕНТТЕРДІҢ КӨПЖЫЛДЫҚ ӨЗГЕРІСІН БАҒАЛАУ

This article examines the changes in ice phenomena and meteorological parameters of the Zhaiyk River during the period from 1936 to 2021. The changes in ice phenomena observed over many years along the Zhaiyk River were analyzed. For this, long-term data on the start and end of ice phenomena at various stations along the river were used. As a result, it was established that the formation of ice on the river has shifted to later dates, the clearing of the river from ice has shifted to earlier dates, and the duration of the ice cover has decreased. The Mann-Kendall test and the Sen’s Slope method were used to assess the changes in long-term average air temperatures in the region. As a result, it was determined that the annual air temperature increase is within the range of 0,032...0,035. Additionally, changes in long-term values of temperature and precipitation, as well as their impact on river discharge, were analyzed. The study results show that global and local climate changes have a significant impact on ice phenomena and the hydrological characteristics of the Zhaiyk River.

Effect of Hydration States on the Anti-Icing/Frosting Performance of Zwitterionic Hydrogel-Coated Surfaces.

Zwitterionic polymers have gained considerable research attention because of their unique properties and have been widely used in many biomedical and electrochemical applications. Recently, zwitterionic polymers have been investigated for use as anti-icing/frosting surfaces; however, key factors influencing their anti-icing/frosting performance and effectiveness under real operational conditions remain underexplored. Therefore, in this study, we quantitatively analyze the hydration states of zwitterionic hydrogels synthesized from polymerizable zwitterions, such as carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA), 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA). We focused on the effect of these hydration states on anti-icing/frosting performance in practical environments through a thermodynamic approach. The fractions of freezable water were 14% in pCBMA, 16% in pMPC, and 34% in pSBMA. The activation energy for ice formation within the hydrogel was observed as pCBMA (101.71 kJ mol-1) > pMPC (74.32 kJ mol-1) > pSBMA (59.82 kJ mol-1), suggesting that the zwitterionic hydrogel-coated surface makes ice formation more challenging compared to the uncoated bare substrate (45.79 kJ mol-1). We confirm that a reduction in the freezable water fraction within the hydration state can enhance the anti-icing/frosting performance. Our results demonstrate that zwitterionic hydrogels with strong interaction energies offer significant potential as anti-icing/frosting coatings. This work also reveals the in-depth mechanism of ice propagation and frost growth on hydrogel coatings and proposes insights that can be used to efficiently design future anti-icing/frosting coatings.

Development of Anti-Icing and Skid-Resistant Road Surfaces Using Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Resin-Based Composites

Winter road safety is significantly compromised by ice formation, leading to increased vehicular accidents due to reduced friction. Traditional anti-icing strategies, such as chemical deicers, present environmental and structural drawbacks, necessitating innovative solutions. This study evaluates methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based resin composites for anti-icing and skid-resistant applications. These composites are particularly intended for application on asphalt and concrete pavements in urban roads, highways, and other high-traffic areas prone to icing during winter. MMA composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including tensile strength of up to 10 MPa and compressive strength of 34 MPa under optimized formulations. These composites are specifically developed for application on asphalt and concrete pavements commonly found in urban roads, highways, and other high-traffic areas, where icing and skid resistance are critical challenges during winter conditions. Anti-icing performance was enhanced by incorporating additives like magnesium chloride hexahydrate, achieving a freezing point reduction to −12.9 °C and a heat of solution of 0.429 kJ/g. Laboratory tests revealed that increasing anti-icing additives reduced ice adhesion and melting time, with a trade-off in compressive strength, which decreased from 30 MPa (unmodified) to 16 MPa at higher additive concentrations. Skid resistance was improved through the addition of high-friction aggregates, ensuring durability under icy and wet conditions. These results highlight MMA composites as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional deicing methods, offering enhanced road safety and reduced environmental impact. Further research is recommended to optimize formulations and validate performance through field trials under varying climatic conditions.

Melt pond CO2 dynamics and fluxes with the atmosphere in the central Arctic Ocean during the summer-to-autumn transition

Melt ponds are a common feature of the Arctic sea-ice environment during summer, and they play an important role in the exchange of heat and water vapor between the ocean and the atmosphere. We report the results of a time-series study of the CO2 dynamics within melt ponds (and nearby lead) and related fluxes with the atmosphere during the summer-to-autumn transition in the central Arctic Ocean during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition. In late summer 2020, low-salinity meltwater was distributed throughout the melt ponds, and undersaturation of pCO2 in the meltwater drove a net influx of CO2 from the atmosphere. The meltwater layer subsequently thinned due to seawater influx, and a strong gradient in salinity and low-pCO2 water was observed at the interface between meltwater and seawater at the beginning of September. Mixing between meltwater and underlying seawater drives a significant drawdown of pCO2 as a result of the non-linearities in carbonate chemistry. By the middle of September, the strong stratification within the meltwater had dissipated. Subsequent freezing then began, and cooling and wind-induced drifting of ice floes caused mixing and an influx of seawater through the bottom of the melt pond. The pCO2 in the melt pond reached 300 µatm as a result of exchanging melt pond water with the underlying seawater. However, gas exchange was impeded by the formation of impermeable freshwater ice on the surface of the melt pond, and the net flux of CO2 was nearly zero into the pond, which was no longer a sink for atmospheric CO2. Overall, the melt ponds in this Arctic sea-ice area (both melt ponds and lead water) act as moderate sinks for atmospheric CO2.

Impact of Yakutia wildfires on ice conditions of parts of the Laptev sea shipping lanes

The article aims to verify the hypothesis about the impact of largescale Yakutia wildfires on the ice concentration in certain parts of the Laptev Sea shipping lanes. The verification was performed using data on ice concentration monthly and daily means obtained from GLORYS12v1 reanalysis and the catalogue of Aqua and Shizuku space missions. Information on the scale and consequences of Yakutia wildfires was obtained from the remote monitoring information system of the Federal Forestry Agency. The research methodology involved the use of statistical methods, including correlation analysis. The study comprised 2001–2023 period. A significant correlation between forest burning indicators and the ice conditions in certain areas of the sea has been confirmed. The most likely cause of the identified relationship was named to be the effect of an ice cover albedo decrease due to depositing of the soot brought by southern winds from burnt forest areas, as well as earlier and warmer floods from large Siberian rivers. It has been established that in the years following periods of large-scale fires, a downward trend in ice concentration manifests itself in a number of sea areas. In the spring–summer period (May — June) they are found in the northwestern and southern parts of the sea (in the areas of formation of fast ice polynyas), which favors an earlier navigation opening. In the autumn months, due to the sea waters having consumed more heat during the summer, active ice formation begins later (October — November), contributing to its later closure. The extent to which wildfires impact changes in the ice concentration of the Laptev Sea against the backdrop of other significant factors (variations in temperature, solar insolation, wind conditions, sea level, etc.) is not straightforward and needs further research. Provided that current trends in climate change persist, it is safe to predict that in the years following periods of intense wildfires, the period of safe autonomous navigation for high ice class vessels (Arc6 and Arc7) in the Laptev Sea will be longer than normal and will comprise all months from May to December.

A One-Dimensional Energy Balance Model Parameterization for the Formation of CO2 Ice on the Surfaces of Eccentric Extrasolar Planets.

Eccentric planets may spend a significant portion of their orbits at large distances from their host stars, where low temperatures can cause atmospheric CO2 to condense out onto the surface, similar to the polar ice caps on Mars. The radiative effects on the climates of these planets throughout their orbits would depend on the wavelength-dependent albedo of surface CO2 ice that may accumulate at or near apoastron and vary according to the spectral energy distribution of the host star. To explore these possible effects, we incorporated a CO2 ice-albedo parameterization into a one-dimensional energy balance climate model. With the inclusion of this parameterization, our simulations demonstrated that F-dwarf planets require 29% more orbit-averaged flux to thaw out of global water ice cover compared with simulations that solely use a traditional pure water ice-albedo parameterization. When no eccentricity is assumed, and host stars are varied, F-dwarf planets with higher bond albedos relative to their M-dwarf planet counterparts require 30% more orbit-averaged flux to exit a water snowball state. Additionally, the intense heat experienced at periastron aids eccentric planets in exiting a snowball state with a smaller increase in instellation compared with planets on circular orbits; this enables eccentric planets to exhibit warmer conditions along a broad range of instellation. This study emphasizes the significance of incorporating an albedo parameterization for the formation of CO2 ice into climate models to accurately assess the habitability of eccentric planets, as we show that, even at moderate eccentricities, planets with Earth-like atmospheres can reach surface temperatures cold enough for the condensation of CO2 onto their surfaces, as can planets receiving low amounts of instellation on circular orbits.

Small-molecule organic ice microfibers.

Small organic molecules are essential building blocks of our universe, from cosmic dust to planetary surfaces to life. Compared to their well-known gaseous and liquid forms that have been extensively studied, small organic molecules in the form of ice at low temperatures receive much less attention. Here, we show that supercooled small-molecule droplets can be drawn into highly uniform amorphous ice microfibers with lengths up to 5 cm and diameters down to 200 nm. In the experimental test, these fiber-like ices manifest excellent mechanical flexibilities with elastic strain up to 3.3%. Meanwhile, they can guide light with loss down to 0.025 dB/cm that approaches the material absorption limit and offer high optical nonlinearity for low-threshold supercontinuum generation. Notable temperature-dependent Young's modulus and icing-induced refractive-index increase are also found. These results may open a promising category of low-temperature materials for both scientific research and technological applications.

Deposition of Water Vapor on Au(001) Substrates: Effect of Temperature and Deposition Frequency.

Ice formation from water vapor is a common phenomenon with significant implications for both natural ice formation and industrial processes. However, there remains controversy over how deposition frequency and substrate temperature affect the structural forms of deposition products and their formation processes. In this study, we employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the deposition process of water vapor onto a cold Au(001) substrate at different temperatures and deposition frequencies. We analyzed the effects of temperature and deposition frequency on the forms of deposition products including bilayer hexagonal ice, amorphous water, and their mixtures. Additionally, we identified and explained the unique formation of square ice as an unstable intermediate within specific temperature and deposition frequency ranges. We also discuss the crystallization processes of pancake- and droplet-like amorphous waters. This research contributes to a better understanding of ice formation, with implications for more accurate forecasting of natural ice formation and improved control of artificial ice processes.

Comparative study on lake ice phenology changes and driving factors in large lakes of mid-latitude Xinjiang, China.

The changes in lake ice phenology (LIP) can intuitively reflect the climate evolution in the regions where lakes are located, serving as an important indicator of climate change. The Tianshan Mountains, situated at the southern edge of freezing lakes in the Northern Hemisphere, are a crucial water resource base in Xinjiang and support significant ecosystems closely related to human activities. In the context of intensified climate change, this study focuses on the geographical location, altitude, and water quality differences among large lake groups in the mid-latitude region of Xinjiang, aiming to explore the characteristics of LIP changes in these lakes and their responses to driving factors, thereby providing a basis for effective environmental management and protection. This research conducts a comparative analysis of the LIP changes and driving factors of three large lakes-Sayram Lake (SL), Bosten Lake (BL), and Ebnur Lake (EL)-using multi-source remote sensing data to reveal the response and adaptation mechanisms of lakes under global warming. It effectively captures the time series variations of ice formation and melting, as well as the common responses to environmental and climatic factors. The results indicate that SL has experienced significant climate change effects, with earlier freezing times and accelerated melting speeds; In contrast, EL and BL have shown relatively minor changes, suggesting that geographical and hydrological factors may buffer the impacts of climate. The study finds that all three lakes are jointly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation; however, due to differences in altitude, lake surface area, and water transparency, their responses to these climatic factors vary significantly. For instance, SL's high altitude gives water transparency a dominant role in LIP, while BL's larger surface area enhances the impact of precipitation and thermal capacity on the melting process. This indicates that, despite facing similar climate pressures, local environmental conditions can lead to different trends in ice phenology changes. This study offers a novel and efficient monitoring method for LIP, providing valuable insights for future LIP research and water resource management.

Flexible Mushroom-Like Cross-Scale Surface with Extreme Pressure Resistance for Telecommunication Lines Anti-Icing/Deicing.

Ice accretion caused by freezing rain or snowstorms is a common phenomenon in cold climates that seriously threatens the safety and reliability of telecommunication lines and other overhead networks. Various anti-icing strategies have been demonstrated through surface engineering to delay ice formation. However, existing anti-icing surfaces still encounter several challenges; for example, surfaces are prone to ice-pinning formation due to the impact of supercooled droplets, which leads to a loss of anti-icing effectiveness. In this study, a mushroom-like cross-scale surface (MCS) with extreme pressure resistance and superior anti-ice-pinning property was reported. Specifically, the designed MCS, featuring multiscale microfeatures, re-entrant structure, heterogeneous sidewalls, and nanoscale particles, exhibits excellent anti-icing properties. Ice formation was determined to occur through a process involving liquid penetration, condensation, icing, and frost filling. By establishing an anti-ice -pinning model and a bubble column model, the relationship between structural characteristics and anti-icing performance was clarified. The MCS demonstrates excellent static liquid repellency (contact angle >167°) and robust dynamic impact resistance (water impact with Weber number ≥300). Furthermore, it exhibits an ultralow ice adhesion strength of 0.46 kPa. Notably, the ice adhesion strength remains below 5 kPa even after 15 deicing cycles. The anti-ice-pinning mechanism and robust icephobicity induced by the micromorphologies of MCS provide valuable insights for effective anti-icing prospects in telecommunication line surfaces and other areas in the field of information and communication technology.

A Close Cognition of Charged Poly(l-methionine) Derivatives for Antifreeze.

Ice formation poses a significant challenge across various fields, from industrial processes to biological preservation. Developing antifreeze agents and recognizing the antifreeze mechanism have gained considerable attention. Herein, a series of poly(l-methionine) derivatives, poly(S-carboxymethyl-l-methionine sulfonium) (PMetA), poly(S-methyl-l-methionine sulfonium chloride) (PMetM), and poly(S-carbamidomethyl-l-methionine sulfonium chloride) (PMetAM), with carboxyl, methyl, and acetamide groups, respectively, are synthesized and investigated for antifreeze. The relationship between the polymer structure and the ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity is examined, suggesting that zwitterionic PMetA shows the highest IRI activity, about 27.0 ± 3.9% at 10 mg mL-1 relative to that of water. Results of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance and differential scanning calorimetry indicate that the IRI activity is associated with the activation energy for hydrogen bond breakage. PMetA exhibits acceptable cytocompatibility at 10.0 mg mL-1 and a good cryoprotective efficiency. This finding provides a valuable insight into the antifreeze mechanism, contributing to the development of potent cryoprotectants.

Witnessing a discrete microdroplet freezing event via real-time electrochemical monitoring of solution temperature.

Temperature monitoring has immediate relevance to many areas of research, from atmospheric environmental studies to biological sample and food preservation to chemical reactions. Here, we use a triple-barrel electrode to provide temperature readouts in bulk solution and microdroplets, as well as electrochemically monitor freezing events in a microdroplet. Using this method, we are able to identify distinct characteristics of a freezing aqueous droplet (supercooling, ice formation beginning and end, temperature change, and thawing) with greater temporal resolution than a standard thermocouple and without the use of microscopy. By correlating the amperometric signal change caused by alterations in the diffusion coefficient of the electrochemical system in response to temperature changes, we can calculate the instantaneous temperature at our electrode, as well as the physical behavior of ice formation and expansion. Our results suggest that these electrochemical techniques can provide real-time monitoring of the physical processes involved in aqueous temperature change and ice nucleation events. Here, we employ a novel technique using triple-barrel electrodes to provide temperature readouts in bulk solution and microdroplets, as well as electrochemically monitor freezing events in a microdroplet. Because ice nucleation spans many research fields, it is important to have a variety of tools that can be used to better understand these frozen systems. Our data shows that electrochemistry can provide real-time information on the thermal properties of aqueous environments, and these types of measurements can be extended to microdroplets. The electrochemical signal details all the significant moments in a droplet freezing event, allowing us to use electrochemistry as a stand-alone tool for monitoring freezing events with excellent temporal and spatial resolution.

Upper-Ocean Processes and Sea Ice Production in the Southeastern Amundsen Sea Polynya in Austral Autumn

Abstract The mixed layer of polynyas is vital for local climate as it determines the exchange of properties and energy between ocean, sea ice, and atmosphere. However, its evolution is poorly understood, as it is controlled by complex interactions among these components, yet highly undersampled, especially outside summer. Here, we present a 2-month, high vertical-resolution, full-depth hydrographic dataset from the southeastern Amundsen Sea polynya in austral autumn (from mid-February to mid-April 2014) collected by a recovered seal tag. This novel dataset quantifies the changes in upper-ocean temperature and salinity stratification in this previously unobserved season. Our seal-tag measurements reveal that the mixed layer experiences deepening, salinification, and intense heat loss through surface fluxes. Heat and salt budgets suggest a sea ice formation rate of ∼3 cm per day. We use a one-dimensional model to reproduce the mixed layer evolution and further identify key controls on its characteristics. Our experiments with a range of reduced or amplified air–sea fluxes show that heat loss to the atmosphere and related sea ice formation are the principal determinants of stratification evolution. Additionally, our modeling demonstrates that horizontal advection is required to fully explain the mixed layer evolution, underlining the importance of the ice-covered neighboring region for determining sea ice formation rates in the Amundsen Sea polynya. Our findings suggest that the potential overestimation of sea ice production by satellite-based methods, due to the absence of oceanic heat flux, could be offset by horizontal advection inhibiting mixed layer deepening and sustaining sea ice formation.

Factors affecting winter performance of Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing Course (UTBWC)

ABSTRACT Ultra-Thin Bonded Wearing Course (UTBWC) surfacing was developed as a preventative maintenance option to extend pavement life. Despite the successful applications of UTBWC in various states, feedback indicates that severe icing and snow accumulation occur during winter storms. Similar concerns have been identified by other states. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate how prevalent the problem is, to assess the winter performance of UTBWC compared to adjacent dense graded hot mix asphalt (HMA) surfaces and to determine whether any issue is dependent on temperature, snowfall, mixture properties or traffic using geospatial and statistical analysis. Survey responses from districts indicated that more than half of the sections experienced moderate snow accumulation and ice formation issues. The geospatial analysis showed that such issues may not be dependent only on temperature and/or snow accumulation. Statistical analysis on mix design and quality assurance (QA) indicated that mixture air voids play an important role. While this study considered all UTBWC sections in the state, it represents an initial assessment, and thus it is recommended that additional data over time should be used for further validating the results and analysis. Finally, recommendations for improving winter maintenance operations were provided.

Microplastics in Southern Ocean sea ice: a pan-Antarctic perspective

Microplastic (MP; plastic particles < 5 mm) pollution is pervasive in the marine environment, including remote polar environments. This study provides the first pan-Antarctic survey of MP pollution in Southern Ocean sea ice by analyzing sea ice cores from several diverse Antarctic regions. Abundance, chemical composition, and particle size data were obtained from 19 archived ice core samples. The cores were melted, filtered, and chemically analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 4,090 MP particles were identified. Nineteen polymer types were found across all samples, with an average concentration of 44.8 (± 50.9) particles·L-1. Abundance and composition varied with ice type and geographical location. Pack ice exhibited significantly higher particle concentrations than landfast ice, suggesting open ocean sources of pollution. Winter sea ice cores had significantly more MPs than spring and summer-drilled cores, suggesting ice formation processes play a role in particle incorporation. Smaller particles dominated across samples. Polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were the most common polymers, mirroring those most identified across marine habitats. Higher average MP concentrations in developing sea ice during autumn and winter, contrasting lower levels observed in spring and summer, suggest turbulent conditions and faster growth rates are likely responsible for the increased incorporation of particles. Southern Ocean MP contamination likely stems from both local and distant sources. However, the circulation of deep waters and long-range transport likely contribute to the accumulation of MPs in regional gyres, coastlines, and their eventual incorporation into sea ice. Additionally, seasonal sea ice variations likely influence regional polymer compositions, reflecting the MP composition of the underlying waters.

Justification of the scheme of melting ice on the wires of overhead power lines

The article discusses an urgent problem related to the formation of ice and frost deposits on the wires of overhead power lines, which causes significant technical difficulties in ensuring the reliability of power supply, especially in winter. The accumulation of ice and frost on the wires leads to an increase in the weight of the wires, which can cause them to sag, damage insulators, destroy poles, and, as a result, serious accidents on power lines. The causes of accidents in power grids due to ice and frost deposits are analyzed and it is found that their elimination will reduce the probability of damage to overhead power lines from the action of ice loads. However, existing methods of dealing with this problem have a number of disadvantages, such as high cost, low efficiency in certain conditions, and negative environmental impact. The article presents a scheme for melting ice on the wires of overhead power lines by the method of a three-phase short circuit when powered by a power source with a solidly grounded and isolated neutral. This scheme makes it possible to locally increase the temperature of wires to a level sufficient to melt ice and frost, which reduces the risk of emergencies and ensures the uninterrupted operation of the electrical grid. The article provides theoretical justifications for the scheme for melting ice with three-phase short-circuit currents, which confirm its effectiveness. The analysis has shown that the proposed scheme is economically feasible, as it reduces the cost of maintenance and repair of overhead power lines. In addition, it is environmentally friendly, as it does not involve the use of chemicals. Thus, the proposed scheme for melting ice on the wires of overhead power lines is a promising solution for improving the reliability and safety of power supply in winter weather conditions. Its application can significantly increase the efficiency of power grid operation, reduce the number of accidents, and improve the stability of power supply to consumers.

ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ НАБЛЮДЕНИЙ АРГО ДЛЯ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ МЕЖГОДОВОЙ ИЗМЕНЧИВОСТИ ТЕПЛООБМЕНА ПОЛЯРНЫХ МОРЕЙ С АТМОСФЕРОЙ, АТЛАНТИЧЕСКИМ И СЕВЕРНЫМ ЛЕДОВИТЫМ ОКЕАНАМИ И ИНТЕНСИВНОСТИ ЛЕДООБРАЗОВАНИЯ

The annual mean temperature, salinity, density, and velocity fields for the region of the Nordic Seas were calculated and studied using the Argo-based model for the period of 2005–2014. The heat transports through the Denmark and Fram Straits, and through the sections separating the Nordic Seas from the Atlantic Ocean and Barents Sea were studied on the climatological, annual, and seasonal time scales. The calculated transports are in good agreement with the previous estimations. The methodology of the mean ice formation rate estimation is discussed.

Wind, Wave, and Ice Impacts on the Coastal Zone of the Sea of Azov

The coastal zone of the Sea of Azov is a dynamic environment influenced by various natural and anthropogenic factors, including wind, wave action, beach material removal, and cultivation on cliff edges. The coastal zone of freezing seas is also influenced by ice cover during winter. This study investigates the dynamics of the Sea of Azov’s coastal zone during winter (2014–2023), focusing on the impacts of waves and ice, to identify the most vulnerable coastal areas. We analyzed high-resolution satellite imagery and employed mathematical modeling to obtain data on ice pile-up, fast ice formation, wind patterns, and storm wave dynamics within the shallow coastal zone. Long-term wind data revealed an increase in maximum wind speeds in December and January, while February and March showed a decrease or no significant trend across most coastal observation stations. Storm waves (significant wave height) during the cold season can reach heights of 3.26 m, contributing to coastal erosion and instability. While the overall ice cover in the Sea of Azov is decreasing, with fast ice rarely exceeding 0.85% of the total sea area, ice pile-up still occurs almost annually, with the eastern part of Taganrog Bay exhibiting the highest probability of these events. Our analysis identified the primary impacts affecting the shallow coastal zone of the Sea of Azov between 2014 and 2023. A map was generated to illustrate these impacts, revealing that nearly the entire coastline is subject to varying degrees of wave and ice impact. Exceptions include the eastern coast, which experiences minimal fast ice and ice pile-up, with average or lower dynamic loads, and the southern coast, where wind–wave action is the dominant factor.