# Wave attenuation and dispersion due to floating ice covers

## TL;DR

This study experimentally investigates how different types of floating ice covers affect surface wave attenuation and dispersion, revealing dependencies on ice properties and providing extended insights beyond previous research.

## Contribution

It offers new experimental data on wave-ice interactions across various ice types and conditions, expanding the understanding of attenuation and dispersion effects.

## Key findings

- Attenuation rates depend on ice thickness, wave frequency, and ice rigidity.
- Dispersion effects are minor except for large wavelength increases with continuous ice.
- Results extend existing literature by covering broader wave frequencies and ice conditions.

## Abstract

Experiments investigating the attenuation and dispersion of surface waves in a variety of ice covers are performed using a refrigerated wave flume. The ice conditions tested in the experiments cover naturally occurring combinations of continuous, fragmented, pancake and grease ice. Attenuation rates are shown to be a function of ice thickness, wave frequency, and the general rigidity of the ice cover. Dispersion changes were minor except for large wavelength increases when continuous covers were tested. Results are verified and compared with existing literature to show the extended range of investigation in terms of incident wave frequency and ice conditions.