Three-dimensional discrete element simulations on pressure ridge formation

Abstract. This study presents the first three-dimensional discrete element method simulations of pressure ridge formation. Pressure ridges are an important feature of the sea-ice cover, as they contribute to the mechanical thickening of ice and likely limit the strength of sea ice at large scales. We validate the simulations against laboratory-scale experiments, confirming their accuracy in predicting ridging forces and ridge geometries. Then we demonstrate that Cauchy–Froude scaling applies for translating laboratory-scale results on ridging to full-scale scenarios. We show that non-simultaneous failure, where an ice floe fails at distinct locations across the ridge length, is required for an accurate representation of the ridging process. This process cannot be described by two-dimensional simulations. We also find a linear relationship between the ridging forces and the ice thickness, contrasting with earlier results in the literature obtained by two-dimensional simulations.