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Predicting the Motions of Drifting Open Pack Ice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 January 2017

Uri Feldman  and
Philip J. Howarth
Uri Feldman
Affiliation:
Atmospheric Environment Service, Aerospace Meteorology Division, 4905 Dufferin Street, Downsview, Ontario M3H 5T4, Canada
Philip J. Howarth
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada
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Abstract

Methods based on remotely-sensed data are needed to predict motions of drifting open pack ice and to determine sea-ice parameters associated with these motions. The method presented here is able:

  • (a) to predict the motions of groups of wind-driven detached ice floes over periods of 12, 36, and 60 h;

  • (b) to determine sea-ice thickness and the surface and sub-surface drag coefficients associated with these motions.

Type
Abstracts of Papers Presented at the Symposium but not Published in Full in this volume
Information
Journal of Glaciology , Volume 24 , Issue 90 , 1979 , pp. 501 - 502
Copyright
Copyright © International Glaciological Society 1979

Wind stress, water drag, and Coriolis force were assumed to be at equilibrium for a drifting group. Surface wind speed and ice motion velocity were obtained from three-day sequences of surface weather charts and Landsat-1 MSS images. The angle of sea-ice deflection, the cross-isobar angle, sea-ice thickness, and the surface and sub-surface drag coefficients were determined by solving the equilibrium equation of motion. Weather data from a fourth day were used to predict the motions for this day.

If used in conjunction with data from microwave sensing systems, these predictions and parameters could be applied to support marine traffic and exploration of natural resources in the Polar Oceans. Sea-ice parameters, which were formerly practically unavailable, can now be derived by the method.

Discussion

O. H. Løken: To what extent are the results of your study being used in the preparation of operational ice forecasts for the Beaufort Sea?

U. Feldman: This method is not yet operational because the MSS images of Landsat-1 provide useful data only if the images are cloud free. The method may be applied in the future with remotely-sensed data from microwave systems.

J. B. Mercer: How many tests of your method have you made? You mentioned two in your talk. What is the success rate?

Feldman: Out of approximately 3000 Landsat-1 MSS images recorded during the period 1972–76 over the study area, 35 images, belonging to 6 cycles, were found suitable for analysis. From the 6 cycles tested 4 were successful.