A Technique and Device for Ice Thickness and Drift Velocity Measurements with Hydrostatic-Pressure Sensors Sliding along the Ice Bottom

摘要

The results of laboratory experiments performed with a prototype of a measuring device intended for monitoring the thickness and drift velocity of ice in Arctic seas are presented. This device is a system of hydrostatic-pressure sensors located inside a hollow flexible tube. Owing to the positive buoyancy, the system of sensors is pressed to the bottom of drifting ice. The load (anchor) on the sea bottom ensures a constant geographical position of the measuring device. During the ice drift, the tube slides along the ice bottom and sensors record the depths of separate segments of the tube. A data logger collects information and determines the ice thickness and drift velocity.