Specific features of modeling ice ridging on a two-dimensional bedstead simulator

Recently, the focus of scientists studying ridged features shifted towards the little-known, but rather interesting problem: what is the mechanism of ice ridge formation? The process of forming a pressure hummock is modeled using a two-dimensional bedstead simulator. The present work aims to observe the movement of polypropylene plates simulating ice blocks relative to each other in the process of modeling the hummock formation. Polypropylene was chosen as an ice simulator, a material whose density corresponds to the density of sea ice. The main idea of the bedstead simulator is to limit the movement of ice simulator blocks only in the vertical plane. This plane creates the illusion of a side view of the cross section of the ice ridge. The bedstead simulator is based on a household aquarium. The design of the bedstead simulator and the modeling technique are considered. The process is recorded by a video camera. Each frame is processed based on operations with vector polygons. As a result of images processing, 20 morphometric parameters of the ice ridge structure are recorded. Porosity of model ice ridges is discussed. Based on the simulation, the options for freezing blocks in real hummocks are considered. The intrusion of blocks into the forming hummock occurs both from above in the form of rafting and inside the keel in the form of jets. In the future, the blocks move downwards under the influence of gravity, forming a kind of vortex. According to the second scenario, which may be named as a joining scenario, an accumulation of new ice blocks takes place at the edge of formed keel, rafting and subsequent vortices do not happen. The significance of the research is that the physical modeling allows getting an idea of the ice blocks motion during ridging.