Author(s): G. B. Crocker; A. B. Cammaert
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Abstract: Bergy bit and growler populations are important in both the design of offshore structures, and development of procedures for operating in ice frequented regions. These relatively small glacial ice features are difficult to detect, and can impart large global loads and local pressures on offshore structures. Measurements were made of the numbers of icebergs, bergy bits and growlers off the east coast of Newfoundland in July, 1992. This data set, from a single 1:7500 scale aerial photography survey, contains one of the only iceberg size distributions obtained to date which includes accurate numbers of bergy bits and growlers down to 5 m in length. The observed inverse exponential relationship between bergy bit and growler size, and frequency of occurrence, suggests that for practical purposes a lower boundary on the growler size range is required. The ratio between the number of large, medium, and small icebergs, and the number of bergy bits and growlers has been calculated. This ratio is particularly useful since it permits estimates to be made of the numbers of bergy bits and growlers present in areas where statistics are available for icebergs only.
Year: 1994