A MODEL OF THE FORMATION AND DESTRUCTION OF FAST ICE IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE GULF OF FINLAND

Z. M. Gudkovich and S. V. Klyachkin

The model is based on the assumption that a resistance of pack ice to external dynamic forcing determines the formation and destruction of fast ice. It is shown that tangential stresses caused by offshore wind are the basic mechanism of the destruction of fast ice in the Gulf of Finland. A method of calculating fast-ice boundaries is based on the equation of static equilibrium between tangential wind stress and resistance of an ice plate. The resistance of the ice plate, i.e., the capability of fast ice to resist to external forcing depends, first, on the ice thickness and strength, and, second, on the character of attachment of an ice plate to the shore. A series of numerical experiments has demonstrated that the model adequately describes a natural process.