An investigation into the porosity of sea ice from the Atlantic-Indian marginal ice zones and its link to temperature and salinity using imaging analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the porosity of sea ice from the Antarctic-Indian marginal ice zone and its link to temperature and salinity variations using imaging analysis. Samples of laboratory grown ice made from saline water as well as a sea ice core extracted from the Antarctic Indian marginal ice zone were under investigation in this study. The ice samples were all subjected to an imaging analysis using a 3T Siemens Skyra magnetic resonance scanner. The images generated by this device were qualitatively analysed to answer the research questions asked in my study. The data was analysed by comparing the images generated in the study to the temperature and salinity properties of each ice sample. Furthermore, similarities and differences between laboratory grown ice samples and the sea ice core extracted from the Antarctic-Indian marginal ice zone were recorded. The data obtained verifies the link between temperature, salinity and the porous nature of ice samples. The findings furthermore confirm that higher temperatures and higher salinities yield more porous ice samples. It was also observed that temperature and salinity differences are not the only variables that influence the distribution of brine inclusions, as the methods used in forming ice also influence this distribution. - Abstract as displayed in the - Abstract booklet. The presentation on the day may differ from the - Abstract.