Author(s): B. D. Wright; J. Hnatiuk; A. Kovacs
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Abstract: The ice cover in the Beaufort Sea is characterized by extreme irregularities in thickness which are produced by the motion and resulting deformation of the sea ice. Pressure ridges, which are an integral part of this irregular and formidable ice cover, are recognized as the largest and most hazardous ice formations. A knowledge of their size and geometry is needed in order to properly design offshore structures capable of resisting the forces which they may impose. This information is also needed to assess the sea bottom gouging threat to subsea installations. In addition, quantitative information on pressure ridges is required when navigation is considered since ridges are the principal impediment to the movement of vessels in the area. Here, a number of cross-sectional profiles of first and multi-year pressure ridges in the Beaufort Sea are presented which include both free-floating and grounded ice forms. The cross-sections of these multi-year ridges suggest that they can be adequately described by one ridge model with a constant sail-to-keel ratio and geometry. It is shown that the ice comprising multi-year ridges is solid with the interblock voids existing at the time of their formation being completely filled with ice. Several first-year pressure ridge profiles are also discussed which indicate that these ridges cannot be represented by anyone geometric model as their sail-to-keel ratios and geometries are quite variable.
Year: 1978