Consistent Models of Flexural-Gravity Waves in Floating Ice

Classification of flexural-gravity waves in floating ice is discussed, using the dispersion relation of these waves and the criterion of sea ice breaking, based on the concept of yield strain. It is shown that flexural-gravity waves, in terms of their wavelength and amplitude, are divided into waves with both inertia and ice rigidity being of major importance, waves with negligible ice inertia, waves with negligible ice rigidity (broken ice) and gravity waves. The effects of water depth and ice thickness on the waves are also investigated.