Ridge Keel Research Articles

Observations of preferential summer melt of Arctic sea-ice ridge keels from repeated multibeam sonar surveys

Abstract. Sea-ice ridges constitute a large fraction of the total Arctic sea-ice area (up to 40 %–50 %); nevertheless, they are the least studied part of the ice pack. Here we investigate sea-ice melt rates using rare, repeated underwater multibeam sonar surveys that cover a period of 1 month during the advanced stage of sea-ice melt. Bottom melt increases with ice draft for first- and second-year level ice and a first-year ice ridge, with an average of 0.46, 0.55, and 0.95 m of total snow and ice melt in the observation period, respectively. On average, the studied ridge had a 4.6 m keel bottom draft, was 42 m wide, and had 4 % macroporosity. While bottom melt rates of ridge keel were 3.8 times higher than first-year level ice, surface melt rates were almost identical but responsible for 40 % of ridge draft decrease. Average cross-sectional keel melt ranged from 0.2 to 2.6 m, with a maximum point ice loss of 6 m, showcasing its large spatial variability. We attribute 57 % of the ridge total (surface and bottom) melt variability to keel draft (36 %), slope (32 %), and width (27 %), with higher melt for ridges with a larger draft, a steeper slope, and a smaller width. The melt rate of the ridge keel flanks was proportional to the draft, with increased keel melt within 10 m of its bottom corners and the melt rates between these corners comparable to the melt rates of level ice.

Consolidated layer thickness in probabilistic simulation of first-year ice ridges

This research study focuses on resolving the issue of sparse data and information required for the probabilistic assessment of ice ridge loads in offshore structures in Arctic regions. The study introduces the consolidated layer thickness into the simulation of ice ridge loads. Through the analysis of seasonal development of level ice draft, ridge keel draft, and ridge frequency, conclusions were drawn on the timing of ridge creation. The data used for this analysis was obtained from ice profiling sonars located in the Beaufort Sea. An analytical approach was established to estimate the probability density function of ridge formation timing, which was then used to simulate ridge age, determine an analytical formulation for consolidated layer growth, and investigate its thickness properties. The study found a negative correlation between consolidated layer thickness and ridge keel draft, which contradicts the previously held assumption in the literature that these variables are not related. This research establishes a framework for probabilistic simulation of ice ridge systems characterized by certain parameters, such as ridge keel draft, level ice draft, ridge frequency, and consolidated layer thickness, which facilitates maintaining the correlations between the parameters in the simulation.

Different mechanisms of Arctic first-year sea-ice ridge consolidation observed during the MOSAiC expedition

Sea-ice ridges constitute a large fraction of the ice volume in the Arctic Ocean, yet we know little about the evolution of these ice masses. Here we examine the thermal and morphological evolution of an Arctic first-year sea-ice ridge, from its formation to advanced melt. Initially the mean keel depth was 5.6 m and mean sail height was 0.7 m. The initial rubble macroporosity (fraction of seawater filled voids) was estimated at 29% from ice drilling and 43%–46% from buoy temperature. From January until mid-April, the ridge consolidated slowly by heat loss to the atmosphere and the total consolidated layer growth during this phase was 0.7 m. From mid-April to mid-June, there was a sudden increase of ridge consolidation rate despite no increase in conductive heat flux. We surmise this change was related to decreased macroporosity due to transport of snow-slush to the ridge keel rubble via adjacent open leads. In this period, the mean thickness of the consolidated layer increased by 2.1 m. At the peak of melt in June–July we suggest that the consolidation was related to the refreezing of surface snow and ice meltwater and of ridge keel meltwater (the latter only about 15% of total consolidation). We used the morphology parameters of the ridge to calculate its hydrostatic equilibrium and obtained a more accurate estimate of the actual consolidation of the keel, correcting from 2.2 m to 2.8 m for average keel consolidation. This approach also allowed us to estimate that the average keel melt of 0.3 m, in June–July, was accompanied by a decrease in ridge draft of 0.9 m. An ice mass balance buoy in the ridge indicated total consolidation of 2.8 m, of which 2.1 m was related to the rapid mode of consolidation from April to June. By mid-June, consolidation resulted in a drastic decrease of the macroporosity of the interior of keel while the flanks had little or no change in macroporosity. These results are important to understanding the role of ridge keels as meltwater sources and sinks and as sanctuary for ice-associated organisms in Arctic pack ice.

Snowmelt contribution to Arctic first-year ice ridge mass balance and rapid consolidation during summer melt

Sea ice ridges are one of the most under-sampled and poorly understood components of the Arctic sea ice system. Yet, ridges play a crucial role in the sea ice mass balance and have been identified as ecological hotspots for ice-associated flora and fauna in the Arctic. To better understand the mass balance of sea ice ridges, we drilled and sampled two different first-year ice (FYI) ridges in June–July 2020 during the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC). Ice cores were cut into 5 cm sections, melted, then analyzed for salinity and oxygen (δ18O) isotope composition. Combined with isotope data of snow samples, we used a mixing model to quantify the contribution of snow to the consolidated sea ice ridge mass. Our results demonstrate that snow meltwater is important for summer consolidation and overall ice mass balance of FYI ridges during the melt season, representing 6%–11% of total ridged ice mass or an ice thickness equivalent of 0.37–0.53 m. These findings demonstrate that snowmelt contributes to consolidation of FYI ridges and is a mechanism resulting in a relative increase of sea ice volume in summer. This mechanism can also affect the mechanical strength and survivability of ridges, but also contribute to reduction of the habitable space and light levels within FYI ridges. We proposed a combination of two pathways for the transport of snow meltwater and incorporation into ridge keels: percolation downward through the ridge and/or lateral transport from the under-ice meltwater layer. Whether only one pathway or a combination of both pathways is most likely remains unclear based on our observations, warranting further research on ridge morphology.

Temporal evolution of under-ice meltwater layers and false bottoms and their impact on summer Arctic sea ice mass balance

Low-salinity meltwater from Arctic sea ice and its snow cover accumulates and creates under-ice meltwater layers below sea ice. These meltwater layers can result in the formation of new ice layers, or false bottoms, at the interface of this low-salinity meltwater and colder seawater. As part of the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of the Arctic Climate (MOSAiC), we used a combination of sea ice coring, temperature profiles from thermistor strings and underwater multibeam sonar surveys with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to study the areal coverage and temporal evolution of under-ice meltwater layers and false bottoms during the summer melt season from mid-June until late July. ROV surveys indicated that the areal coverage of false bottoms for a part of the MOSAiC Central Observatory (350 by 200 m2) was 21%. Presence of false bottoms reduced bottom ice melt by 7–8% due to the local decrease in the ocean heat flux, which can be described by a thermodynamic model. Under-ice meltwater layer thickness was larger below first-year ice and thinner below thicker second-year ice. We also found that thick ice and ridge keels confined the areas in which under-ice meltwater accumulated, preventing its mixing with underlying seawater. While a thermodynamic model could reproduce false bottom growth and melt, it could not describe the observed bottom melt rates of the ice above false bottoms. We also show that the evolution of under-ice meltwater-layer salinity below first-year ice is linked to brine flushing from the above sea ice and accumulating in the meltwater layer above the false bottom. The results of this study aid in estimating the contribution of under-ice meltwater layers and false bottoms to the mass balance and salt budget for Arctic summer sea ice.

Analysis of the relationship between level ice draft, ridge frequency and ridge keel draft for use in the probabilistic assessment of ice ridge loads on offshore structures

Level ice draft, ice ridge keel draft and ridge frequency are important variables in the probabilistic assessment of ice ridge loads on offshore structures. We use ice profiling sonar (IPS) measurements of ice draft from the Beaufort Sea to analyse the relationship between these three variables. We propose a probabilistic simulation technique of ridge keel drafts. Two examples of simulations are given. The first example simulates the weekly deepest ridges. The simulated distribution of the weekly deepest ridge keel draft agrees with the measured data. The second example simulates all ridges deeper than 5 m. This simulation results in overestimation of the ridge keel draft in the tail section of the distribution. For both simulations, with the relationships established in this paper, the only needed input is level ice draft. Future studies should investigate whether the relationships found in the Beaufort Sea are valid in other areas or if there is a possibility of scaling the correlations. If the correlations prove predictably scalable for other locations, it could be possible to estimate the ridge keel draft distribution and ridge frequency by knowing only the level ice draft (thickness) statistics. This study is our first endeavour in this direction.

Numerical simulation for cutoff draft of sea ice ridge keels based on a novel optimal modeling with nonlinear-statistical constraints

<abstract> <p>Optimal identification and numerical models are powerful tools that have been widely used in geoscience research for many years. In this study, we proposed a novel optimal method to simulate a key parameter (cutoff draft) of the ridge keels due to dynamic deformation of sea ice at bottom. The sea ice ridges were measured in the Northwestern Weddell Sea of Antarctic, by a helicopter-borne electromagnetic-induction (EM) system. An optimal model with nonlinear-statistical constraints was developed, by taking deviations between the theoretical and measured keel draft (spacing) distributions as the performance criterion, and cutoff draft as the identified parameter. The properties of the optimal model and the existence of the optimal parameter were demonstrated. We identified that the optimal cutoff draft was 3.78 m via an optimal numerical algorithm, this value was then employed to separate the ridge keels from the ice bottom. Finally, the relationship between the mean keel draft and frequency (number of keels per km) was analyzed, and the result showed that this relationship was modeled well by a logarithmic function with a correlation coefficient of 0.7. The present optimal modeling method will provide a new theoretical reference for separating accurately the ridge keels from undeformed sea ice bottom, and analyzing the relationship between the morphologies of sea ice surface and bottom and the inversions of sea ice bottom draft and ice thickness by the surface height.</p> </abstract>

The Average Shape of Sea Ice Ridge Keels

AbstractThrough analysis of over 64,000 ridge profiles identified from moored upward‐looking sonars, we identify a well‐defined average shape of pressure ridge keels that is concave or cusped, not triangular as widely assumed in other literature. On the basis of this average shape, we put forward a new, dimensional‐definition, of a pressure ridge cross‐section that follows a negative exponential form and allows an average pressure ridge cross section to be constructed with knowledge or choice of a single parameter. The horizonal asymptote of the profile represents the draft of the “background” ice in which the ridge is embedded. The draft of this background ice scales with keel depth and is typically greater than can be accounted through thermodynamic growth, indicating that ridges tend to be embedded in fields of mechanically thickened rubble. Using a variational ridge model we simulated keel shapes for a range of ridge building conditions. The model results agree well with the observations and indicate the cusped shape of an average ridge profile arises from the varying angle of horizontal shear in the ice cover when ridges form. The modeling results also explain the elongated tail of the area draft distribution of the pack.

On the Form Drag Coefficient Under Ridged Ice: Laboratory Experiments and Numerical Simulations From Ideal Scaling to Deep Water

AbstractThe bottom topography of ridged sea ice differs greatly from that of other sea‐ice types. The form drag of ridge keels has an important influence on sea‐ice drift and deformation. In this study, both laboratory experiment (LabE) and fluid dynamics numerical simulation (FDS) have been carried out for a physical ridge model in a tank to better understand the quantitative characteristics of the form drag. The LabEs covered both laminar and turbulent conditions. The local form drag coefficient of a keel, Cdw, varied with the keel depth hw and the slope angle αw in the turbulent regime. After validated by the LabE measurements, the FDSs were employed to extend the parameterization from the finite water depth to deep water. The results gave Cdw = 0.68∙ln (αw/7.8°), R2 = 0.998, 10° ≤ ≤ 90°, with Cdw ranging from 0.17 to 1.66, when the keel depth was much less than the water depth. For a large ridging intensity (keel depth/spacing ≥0.01), the variation of the local form drag coefficient and its contribution to total drag coefficient were sensitive to the keel slope angle. Assuming the log‐normal distribution for this angle, the average value of the local form drag coefficient was 0.75, recommended for sea‐ice dynamic models.

On the Porosity of the Unconsolidated Part of Ice Ridge Keel

On the Porosity of the Unconsolidated Part of Ice Ridge Keel

On the porosity of ridge keel (with reference to V.V. Kharitonov’s paper)

The article discusses whether the model of loose granular medium is applicable to the analysis of physical processes in the ridge keel. It is argued that the model is not valid for dealing with a number of problems such as the evolution of the ridge keel. It is also suggested that the decrease in keel porosity in time is primarily caused by thermodynamic factors.

Trends in porosity сhanges of the unconsolidated part of ice ridge keel

An ice ridge is a special case of granular medium with a wide range of fractions. It represents a chaotic piling-up of blocks occurring under the action of gravity in the sail and due to the Archimedes force in the keel. An important characteristic of the internal structure of ice ridges is their porosity. Scientists from different countries have been dealing with this problem. First-year ice ridges are taken into consideration in Arctic and subarctic marine structural design, and the calculation of ice loads includes ridge porosity and strength, as well as other parameters. The aim of the present work is to discern the regularities of porosity distribution in the unconsolidated part of the keel with depth. Ice ridge porosity is identified by means of processing thermodrilling records. In this paper, porosity is interpreted as a step function equal to zero if there is ice at the point (x, y, z), and to one if there is no ice at the point (x, y, z). The author applies the model of compaction of the bulk medium under the influence of gravity, and, particularly for the keel, due to the Archimedes force. A zero depth corresponds to the lower surface of the keel, so each individual porosity distribution of the unconsolidated part of the keel at the drilling point must be shifted down until the maximum keel draft depth is reached in the region under consideration. After alignment, the step curves are averaged. The distance is measured up, starting from the depth of the maximum keel draft. The curve of the averaged porosity can be divided into segments reflecting the characteristic features of the distribution. According to the graphs, average porosity decreases exponentially. Ice ridges of several geographical regions are considered, and in each region is divided into groups by years of research. On the whole, 17 depth-wise distributions of the average porosity are obtained for seven regions. Each distribution was approximated according to the model, taking into account the average density of water and ice in the region. For each distribution, the values of compactibility and porosity at the zero depth, i. e. at the lower edge of the keel, were obtained; the second value only has mathematical sense. It is more convenient to consider the maximum value of the average porosity, which is taken as the initial porosity. With a probability of 90 %, the initial porosity is within the range of 0.450 ± 0.125. As the distance from the keel edge increases, the porosity curves converge to a fairly narrow range of values. At a distance of 12–14 m, this range is 0.07…0.12. The second parameter characterizing the porosity distribution in the unconsolidated part of the keel is compactibility. The steepness of the exponent approximating the average porosity curve depends on it, too. Compactibility is most affected by the strength of the ridged ice as well as the ice thickness. From the literature on the physical properties of ice it is known that as the temperature of ice increases, its strength decreases, and its plasticity increases. Thus, it can be concluded that compactibility is determined by the ice crystal structure as well the ice average temperature at the time of ridging — the warmer the ice, the higher the compactibility of the ice blocks in the keel.

A probabilistic description of pressure ridge width, spacing, and keel depth for the Chukchi and Beaufort seas based on IPS and ADCP observations

16 seasons of under-ice measurements, from both the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, were processed and pressure ridge keel features were identified. A starting threshold value of 6m was justified by statistical goodness-of-fit results and used to identify keels from the under-ice measurements. Statistics for keel depth, keel width, keel slope, and keel spacing were determined and compared to other sources. It was shown that the Exponential, Gamma and Weibull Distributions all fit depth data well; with the three-parameter Weibull Distribution being the better fit. Keel width and slope were studied by comparing the most common modal keel width, for each 1m increment of keel depth, and comparing the results to other sources. A presumed keel slope, for an idelaized triangular keel, of 33.7° for the Western Beaufort and 32.5° for the Chukchi seas did not compare well with field measurements from some sources but did compare favorably with published results from models of ridge formation. The disparity could have significant implications when designing offshore structures in ice-covered waters. The best fit found for keel spacing was the Lognormal Distribution, which is consistent with other studies. Parameters for the distributions considered in the paper are provided along with rudimentary statistics for the parameters studied.

Experimental investigation of rate dependency of freeze bond strength

The effects of deformation rate on the shear strength of freeze bonds have been investigated through a series of Asymmetric Four-Point Bending (AFPB) experiments. Two submersion times of 30 min and 24 h have been considered, while the deformation rate has been varied from 0.01 to 100 mm/s. Ice specimens with an initial temperature of −18 °C have been subjected to a constant confinement of 25 kPa during formation and shearing of the freeze bonds. Failure of the bonds proved to be highly dependent on deformation rate, where more strain was observed prior to failure of the bond for slower deformation rates. The shear strength of the bond for both submersion times showed a general decreasing trend with increased deformation rate, which is of significant importance in characterizing the properties of ice ridge/rubble strength. Previous ice rubble strength experiments, as well as ice ridge keel gouging tests, have reported the same failure rate-dependency, highlighting the role of freeze bond failure on rate effects. Compressive strength measurements of solid ice presented in the literature have been observed to follow similar trends within the range of strain rates used in present study, where the failure mode appears to transition from ductile to brittle with increasing deformation rate. While more work is needed to understand the mechanisms associated with the rate dependency of freeze bond, this general observation suggests the rate dependency of ice ridges/rubble may indeed be related to the behavior of ice as a material, rather than being associated primarily with factors such as inertial and pore pressure effects, which have been previously proposed as the principal controlling mechanism.

Tides in the southern area of the Kara Sea in the vicinity of the Belyi island

A number of promising hydrocarbon deposits are known in the south-western part of the Kara Sea. A safe development of these deposits requires hydrometeorological support, including sea-level observations. The paper deals with sea-level data of autonomous anchored buoy station. The period of observation is about 2 years, and the observation dataset is divided into 2 periods due to the displacement of the buoy station. The coordinates of the first position of the buoy station are known but they had been changed after the displacement (possibly due to the action of the ice ridge keels).Data from two time series of observations are studied by harmonic analysis, using the method of least squares by AARI version. According to the average monthly and mean annual values of the main tides it is found that the data includes two independent series. It is determined that the second series may be considered uniform. In order to locate of the anchored buoy station we calculated new coordinates using the empirical tidal charts of the M2 wave.As a result, the harmonic constants of the eight main tidal waves for the Belyi Island area are presented for the first time. The new data confirms the amphidromic system in tides O1 and Q1 , between the Zhelaniya Cape and the Belyi Island. According to the new data the maximum seasonal variation in the range of M2 tide was observed in June, and the minimum of the phase angle was observed in July. This unusual seasonal variation of the M2 tide corresponds to previous observations data from the Uedinenia Island.The authors have no competing interests.

Modelling of ice rubble in the punch shear tests with cohesive 3D discrete element method

PurposeThis paper aims to simulate a punch shear test of partly consolidated ice ridge keel by using a three-dimensional discrete element method. The authors model the contact forces between discrete ice blocks with Hertz–Mindlin contact model. For freeze bonds between the ice blocks, the authors apply classical linear cohesion model with few modifications. Based on punch shear test simulations, the authors are able to determine the main characteristics of an ice ridge from the material parameters of the ice and freeze bonds.Design/methodology/approachThe authors introduced a discrete model for ice that can be used for modelling of ice ridges. The authors started with short introduction to current status with ice ridge modelling. Then they introduced the model, which comprises Hertz–Mindlin contact model and freeze bond model with linear cohesion and softening. Finally, the authors presented the numerical results obtained using EDEM is commercial Discrete Element Modeling software (EDEM) and analysed the results.FindingsThe Hertz–Mindlin model with cohesive freeze bonds and linear softening is a reasonable model for ice rubble. It is trivial that the ice blocks within the ice ridge are not spherical particles, but according to results, the representation of ice blocks as spheres gave promising results. The simulation results provide information on how the properties of freeze bond affect the results of punch shear test. Thus, the simulation results can be used to approximate the freeze bonds properties within an ice ridge when experimental data are available.Research limitations/implicationsAs the exact properties of ice rubble are unknown, more research is required both in experimental and theoretical fields of ice rubble mechanics.Originality/valueBased on this numerical study, the authors are able to determine the main characteristics of an ice ridge from material parameters of ice and freeze bonds. Furthermore, the authors conclude that the model creates a promising basis for further development in other applications within ice mechanics.

Estimation of sea ice parameters from sea ice model with assimilated ice concentration and SST

Abstract. A multi-category numerical sea ice model CICE was used along with data assimilation to derive sea ice parameters in the region of Baffin Bay and Labrador Sea. The assimilation of ice concentration was performed using the data derived from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer (AMSR-E and AMSR2). The model uses a mixed-layer slab ocean parameterization to compute the sea surface temperature (SST) and thereby to compute the freezing and melting potential of ice. The data from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR-only optimum interpolation analysis) were used to assimilate SST. The modelled ice parameters including concentration, ice thickness, freeboard and keel depth were compared with parameters estimated from remote-sensing data. The ice thickness estimated from the model was compared with the measurements derived from Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity – Microwave Imaging Radiometer using Aperture Synthesis (SMOS–MIRAS). The model freeboard estimates were compared with the freeboard measurements derived from CryoSat2. The ice concentration, thickness and freeboard estimates from the model assimilated with both ice concentration and SST were found to be within the uncertainty in the observation except during March. The model-estimated draft was compared with the measurements from an upward-looking sonar (ULS) deployed in the Labrador Sea (near Makkovik Bank). The difference between modelled draft and ULS measurements estimated from the model was found to be within 10 cm. The keel depth measurements from the ULS instruments were compared to the estimates from the model to retrieve a relationship between the ridge height and keel depth.

Morphology, internal structure and formation of ice ridges in the sea around Svalbard

The results from 3 years of comprehensive field investigations on first-year ice ridges in the Arctic are presented in this paper. The scopes of these investigations were to fill existing knowledge gaps on ice ridges, gain understanding on ridge characteristics and study internal properties of ice. The ability of developing reliable simulations and load predictions for ridge-structure interactions is the final principal purpose, but beyond the scope of this paper. The presented data comprise ridge geometry, ice block dimensions from ridge sails, ice structure in the ridge and values on the ridge porosity and the degree of consolidation. The total ridge thickness conformed to other ridges studied in the same regions. The consolidated layer thickness was on average 2–3 times the level ice thickness. Minimum 33% and in average 90% of the ridge keel area was consolidated. The distribution of ice block sizes and block shapes within a ridge appears to be predictable. A new approach for deriving a possible ridging scenario and ridge age is presented. Different steps of the ridge building process were identified, which are in good agreement with earlier simulated ridging events. After formation of very thin lead ice between two floes deformation occurs through rafting and ridging until closure of the lead. Subsequently the adjacent level ice floe fractures proceeding ridge formation until ridging forces exceed driving forces. A time span of 10 days could be assessed for a possible ridge formation date, estimating the ridge age of the studied ridge located east of Edgeøya at 78° N to be 7 to 8 weeks.

Decay phase thermodynamics of ice ridges in the Arctic Ocean

Four ice ridges (R1, R2, R3, and R4) were studied during the spring of 2015 in the Arctic Ocean. During the Norwegian Young Sea Ice expedition (N-ICE2015) from January 11 to June 23, the R/V Lance was moored at four different ice floes (Floe 1, Floe 2, Floe 3, and Floe 4) and drifted along with them. Ice ridge studies were performed on Floe 3 (R1, R2) and Floe 4 (R3, R4). From May 21 to June 23, all ice ridges were drilled several times for structural measurements and cored for physical property measurements. In addition, ridges R1 and R4 were instrumented with Oceanetic thermistor buoys, model 908-20 (OTB 908-20), which remotely logged the vertical temperature profile through the sail and keel of the ridges from April 29 to June 28. After combining these datasets, we obtained thermodynamic properties and evaluated heat budgets of the ridge keels in R1 and R4. Ridge R1 was measured during the transition from the main phase to the decay phase, and ridge R4 was measured during the decay phase. In R1, a 3–4 W/m2 upwards vertical conductive heat flux through the keel was calculated, which caused cooling of the keel and the growth of new ice (i.e., 0.5 m over 22 days from May 5 to May 27, as observed by temperature readings). The total amount of heat extracted from the keel was spent on cooling the keel and growing new ice in fractions of 0.4 and 0.6, respectively. In R4, a downwards vertical conductive heat flux (up to 2 W/m2) transported energy into the keel through the top surface of the keel, while the bottom of the keel melted (i.e., 1.6 m over 12 days from June 12 to June 24) due to the oceanic heat flux.

A Multibeam-Based SLAM Algorithm for Iceberg Mapping Using AUVs

Using autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for mapping underwater topography of sea-ice and icebergs, or detecting keels of ice ridges, is foreseen as enabling technology in future arctic marine operations. Wind, current, and Coriolis forces affect an iceberg’s trajectory, making automated mapping difficult. This paper presents a method aiming at enabling autonomous iceberg mapping using AUVs equipped with a multibeam echosounder by estimating the position and orientation of the iceberg. The method is based on a bathymetric simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm, namely, the bathymetric distributed particle filter SLAM (BPSLAM) algorithm. The proposed method estimates the AUV’s pose in an iceberg-fixed coordinate system. The relative states can be used for both guiding the vehicle to achieve complete coverage, as well as estimation of a consistent iceberg topography. The algorithm also provides an estimate of the iceberg’s drift velocity – an important parameter for the AUV trajectory planning as well as any related ice management (IM) operations. Two new weighting algorithms for the BPSLAM method are proposed, enabling batch processing of multibeam echosounder (MBE) measurements to ensure real-time operation without discarding information. The proposed method is demonstrated using a real iceberg topography taken from the PERD iceberg sightings database, with simulated AUV and MBE range measurements. The algorithm is also evaluated on a real world bathymetric dataset, collected using the HUGIN HUS AUV.