MELT PATTERNS IN ICE OVER SHALLOW WATERS

Abstract

Evidence is presented that convection as well as pressure may be involved in the formation of the cell‐like melt centers that are often seen in ice sheets formed over natural waters. Pressure due to the weight of snow supplies the primary force necessary to cause the flow of water producing the melting. Convective overturning of the water under the ice and the consequent differential melting of the underside of the ice are thought to influence the position at which the melt centers become established. Temperature data are given showing the presence of convective overturning of shallow water under ice due to solar radiation absorption there. Pressure measurements are also given, indicating the change in the equilibrium water level with reference to a 25‐cm thick ice cover immediately after a heavy snowfall. © 1965, by the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, Inc.