Acoustic analysis of ice fracturing on a shallow freshwater lake

Ice sheet fracturing is a process that can indicate the intensity of ice breakup and overall ice safety. Thus, ice fracturing is of interest to a wide range of groups, including climate researchers, fisheries management, and cultural centers. Changes in weather conditions cause stresses within the ice sheet. When these stresses exceed the ultimate tensile or shear strength of the ice, fractures may occur, generating acoustic emissions into the water column and elastic waves through the ice. To study this process, a week-long experiment was conducted on a shallow freshwater lake. Hydrophones, microphones, and geophones were used to record acoustic data across a wide range of weather conditions. In addition to ambient measurements, a series of force hammer blows were used to quantify ice-sensor responses.