A Network Model for Characterizing Brine Channels in Sea Ice

Abstract

Abstract. The brine network in sea ice is a complex labyrinth whose precise microstructure is critical in governing the movement of brine and gas between the ocean and the sea ice surface. Recent advances in three-dimensional imaging using x-ray micro-computed tomography have enabled the visualization and quantification of the brine network morphology and variability. Using imaging of first-year sea ice samples at in-situ temperatures, we create a new mathematical network model to characterize the topology and connectivity of the brine channels. This model provides a statistical framework where we can 5 characterize the pore networks via two parameters, depth and temperature, for use in dynamical sea ice models. Our approach advances the quantification of brine connectivity in sea ice, which can help investigations of bulk physical properties, such as fluid permeability, that are key in both global and regional sea ice models.

Physical Characterization of Frozen Saltwater Solutions Using Raman Microscopy

“…X-ray tomography studies of frozen sea ice show vertical liquid channels extending to depths of several millimeters. 38,40 Conversely, a different X-ray tomography study showed that cesium chloride in frozen aqueous solutions was concentrated in distinct unconnected pockets rather than in channels. 39 Our results are consistent with both studies.…”

Revisiting concrete frost salt scaling: On the role of the frozen salt solution micro-structure

“…The smallest pores, referred to as brine-layers have sizes in the sub-millimetre range and a spacing of around 1 mm [24]. A brine layer may disappear, join another brine layer or split into many layers upon ice growth [37,38]. A mathematical model developed by Lieblappen et al [38] supported by X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of sea-ice, have demonstrated that brine layers with size between 100 and 200 μm have a higher probability to remain during seaice growth.…”

“…A brine layer may disappear, join another brine layer or split into many layers upon ice growth [37,38]. A mathematical model developed by Lieblappen et al [38] supported by X-ray micro-computed tomography imaging of sea-ice, have demonstrated that brine layers with size between 100 and 200 μm have a higher probability to remain during seaice growth. A brine channel of 100 μm in size that can generate tensile stress of 3.7 MPa (see Fig.…”

“…At the same time, the size of the brine-pockets/channels varies with the brine fraction [39], and therefore will be different for different salt concentrations, at a given temperature. The literature regarding the changes of the sea-ice microstructure with the temperature is abundant [23,[38][39][40]. However, very few studies (i.e.…”