Nearshore ice conditions from radar data, Point Barrow area, Alaska

Abstract

From June, 1973 to May, 1979, the University of Alaska maintained a small radar system to monitor near shore ice motion and conditions at the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory near Point Barrow, Alaska. The purpose was to support research projects which required that information. In this report, the data acquired are compiled to describe the annual cycle of the ice year in the area. A short open water season can be defined as extending from late-July to late-September. This is followed by freezeup, which is characterized by a decreasing frequency of occurrence of drifting pack ice in the area between October and January. The winter season extends from January through May and is marked by generally stable or slow-drifting pack ice, or by the absence of pack ice offshore from the edge of the fast ice. The onset of breakup in June is characterized by the increasing occurrence of drifting pack ice again. Comparison of the ice cycle with climatologic data indicates no strong correlations with variables other than (possibly) air temperature. As expected, ice activity is greatest during freezeup and breakup, with rapid changes in the directions and velocity of ice motion. Similar movement patterns occur in winter, but the ice velocities are slower. Data of the type generated by the radar system would be useful for any area in which development of offshore installations is planned. Clearly, a knowledge of the range of possible ice motion patterns and events can provide the basis for improving the design of such installations.