Wave attenuation due to ice cover: An experimental model in a wave-ice flume

Abstract

Waves penetrate deep into the ice covered seas, inducing breakup of the ice cover. Concomitantly, the ice cover attenuates the wave energy over distance, so that wave impacts die out eventually. Observations of wave attenuation and concurrent wave-induced breakup in the literature are serendipitous due to difficulties in making measurements in ice covered seas. Hence understanding of wave-ice interactions remain uncertain. Here we present measurements of wave propagation through ice covered waters in the new experimental wave-ice facility at the University of Melbourne. The facility comprises of a 14m long and 0.76m wide flume in a refrigerated chamber, where temperatures can be lowered down..