Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/11681/5743
Title: Formation of a modern ice-push ridge by thermal expansion of lake ice in southeastern Connecticut
Authors: State Geological and Natural History Survey of Connecticut
Geological Survey (U.S.)
Pessl, Fred
Keywords: Gardner Lake, Connecticut
Air temperature
Beach ridges
Ice formation
Ice push
Solar radiation
Temperature measurements
Thermal expansion
Thermal stresses
Beaches
Ice
Lake ice
Publisher: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)
Engineer Research and Development Center (U.S.)
Series/Report no.: Research report (Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (U.S.)) ; 259.
Description: Research Report
Abstract: A modern ice-push ridge on the northwest shore of Gardner Lake in southeastern Connecticut is 0.6 - 1.2 m high and 1.2 - 3.1 m wide. In February and March 1967, the positions of survey stakes placed on the lake ice were measured periodically. During the same period, air and ice temperature and solar radiation intensity were also recorded. Analysis of the data supports the hypothesis that thermal expansion of the lake ice rather than wind action, was the principal cause of ice push. An ice temperature change of approximately 1°C/hr increase for 6 hr was sufficient to induce ice thrust. In a 30-day period, the average net shoreward movement of the surveyed area of the ice surface was 1.0 m. During the 1966-67 winter, approximately 14 m^3 of beach material was reworked and deposited, forming a discontinuous ice-push ridge along 260 m of shoreline.
Rights: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/11681/5743
Appears in Collections:Research Report

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