Freezing of Tidal Current Under Ice in a Shallow Channel

Abstract

We analyze tidal currents under ice in a shallow channel located near the tip of the Van Mijen Fjord in Spitsbergen. During the flood cycle of tide seawater flows under ice and strongly freezes in a shallow channel. During the ebb cycle salinity of the outflowing water is greater than that of the inflowing water. Salt balance is estimated. During high-water tide, salt water seeps through the cracks in the ice to the surface, which increases salinity of the snow and water mixture.

Keywords

• Spitsbergen
• shallow water
• channel under ice
• tidal current
• freezing of seawater
• salinity increase