A Model for Predicting Ice Accretion and Ablation in Water Bodies

Abstract

A model is presented for computing ice growth and ablation. Downward long- and shortwave radiation is computed for variable cloud amount and base. Surface albedo depends on snow cover and age of the snow or ice. Thermal inertia of the snow and ice is included. Sensible and latent heal fluxes are calculated using generalized similarity theory. The model is tested in Mackenzie Bay for the 1978–79 season and produces results in good agreement with observations. Calculations are sensitive to upward and downward longwave radiation, and to heat input from the water at the water/ice interface.