On the Problem of Ice Ridge Classification

The objective of the paper is to initiate a discussion on the problem of classification of ice ridges among ice researchers. To classify ice ridges, it is necessary to reveal their essential distinguishing features. To begin with, first-year primary ice ridges are considered. Their most important features are: age of original ice (from which an ice ridge is formed), salinity of ice (sea or lake ice ridges), way of formation (pressure ridges or shear ridges), shape of blocks (flat and oblong, cuboid, intermediate), and influence of subglacial currents on the keel of an ice ridge (drifting or in fast ice). A classification scheme is proposed for first-year primary ice ridges based on these features.