Comparing methods of measuring sea-ice density in the East Antarctic. Issue 69 (2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hutchings, Jennifer K.; Heil, Petra; Lecomte, Oliver; Stevens, Roger; Steer, Adam; Lieser, Jan L.
• Is Part Of: Annals of glaciology. Volume 56:Issue 69(2015)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 82
• Publication Date: 2015
• Subjects: sea ice; Glaciology -- Periodicals; 551.3105 qA613
• DOI: 10.3189/2015AoG69A814
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-3055

Abstract

Abstract: Remotely sensed derivation of sea-ice thickness requires sea·ice density. Sea-ice density was estimated with three techniques during the second Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystem eXperimett (SIPEX-II, September-November 2012, East Antarctica). The sea ice was first-year highly deformed, mean thicknsss 1.2 m with layers, consistent with rafting, and 6-7/10 columnar ice and 3/10 granular ice. Ice density was found to be lower than values (900-920 kg m −3 used previously to derive ice thickness, , with columnar ice mean density of 870 kg m − 3 . At two different ice stations the mean density of the ice was 800 kg m –3, the lower density reflecting a high percentage of porous granular ice at the second station. Error estimates for mass/volume and liquid/solid water methods are presented. With 0.1 m long, 0.1 m core samples, the error on individual density estimates is 28 kg m -3 . Errors are larger for smaller machined blocks. Errors increase to 46 kg m -3 if the liquid/solid volume method is used. The mass/vouume method has a low bias due to brine drainage of at least 5%. Bulk densities estimated from ice and snow measurements along 100 m transects were high, and likely unrealistic as the assumption of isostatcc balance is not suitable over these length scales in deformed ice.