Acoustic emissions of ice fracture

Abstract

Acoustic signals of ice movement and breaking has been recorded in previous field studies, but the specific role of salinity on ice fracture noise remains an open research topic. In lab studies, salinity has been shown to alter the mechanical properties but the associated emissions are not well understood. In this study, high-speed optical visualization is done in conjunction of acoustic measurements of ice fracture for three salinity values in air and underwater. Fracture strength is determined through three point bending and the role of columnar structure representative of Arctic ice is explored. The elastic–plastic behavior is characterized through time-frequency analysis.