Sea Ice Thickness Measurements Using Shear Wave Reflections,

Abstract

Because of the lack of success in measuring sea ice thickness with normal acoustic means, a method utilizing shear waves or 'S' waves was tried during the summer of 1971 off Point Barrow, Alaska. A 551A*Textronic oscilloscope and polaroid camera were used to record the signals received. Two Columbia High Capacity accelerometers were used for triggering the scope and obtaining the return signal. A three pound sledge-hammer impacting on a six inch diameter steel plate was used as the 'S' wave source. Results were obtained in ice thicknesses from 7.0 feet to 21.0 feet thick. An average 'S' wave speed in sea ice of 6.56 feet per millisec was used. In comparing the recorded signals with physically measured thicknesses, the average error was found to be 6.6%. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0739743

Entities

People

  • Daniel D. Benefield
  • Dennis M. Egan
  • George P. Vance

Organizations

  • United States Coast Guard Academy

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accelerometers
  • Diameters
  • Ice
  • Measurement
  • Oscilloscopes
  • Reflection
  • Sea Ice
  • Secondary Waves
  • Thickness
  • Waves

Readers

  • Geodesy
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Polar and Arctic Studies