Linear elements of sea‐ice relief

Abstract

The empirical evidence suggests that all types of ice display linear elements that can be compared with lineaments in the earth's surface. The basic global jointing pattern of NE‐SW and NW‐SE appears to extend to sea ice, and ice‐navigation experience suggests that movement is easier along these courses while courses close to the N‐S and E‐W directions result more frequently in ships becoming icebound. Closer study of ice jointing patterns may thus offer new prospects for ice navigation, especially in connection with the establishment of new high‐latitude icebreaker routes.