Property measurements made in level landfast first-year ice from six sites within a 20 km radius of Nain are presented. Measurements were made during four site visits, from early February to mid-May, 2004. Three of the examined sites were located along the proposed shipping route to Voisey's Bay Mine, in Edwards Cove. Rapid changes in air temperature were noted to have a visible effect on the ice conditions. Ice thickness ranged from 0.41 to 0.65 m in February and had increased to 0.95 to 1.28 m by May. By May, the ice showed clear signs of seasonal decay. The ice desalinated throughout its full thickness, it became isothermal at near-melting temperatures, and it showed a 20 to 60% reduction in its in situ strength.
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