| Abstract | A grounded rubble field can be advantageous when it surrounds an Arctic offshore structure. It can attenuate ice loads and could be used as a base for an evacuation shelter. These advantages mean that the creation of a sTable., grounded rubble field at an offshore site can be beneficial for locations in the transition and landfast ice zones of the Beaufort Sea. In the winter of 1989~1990, the Molikpaq Caisson was deployed at the Isserk I-15 site in the Canadian Beaufort Sea. During October and early November, the Molikpaq was exposed to mobile first year ice driven by strong winds. This series of storms built a “cigar-shaped” rubble field at the site. Detailed information concerning the rubble field development at this site was collected. In this paper, a numerical model is used to examine the factors that affect the generation of a grounded rubble field. The observations from Isserk are used to validate the model. By investigating several scenarios of ice interaction, through an examination of the influence of water depth, ice thickness, velocity and fetch length upon rubble extent, the model can be used to provide information on the rate of growth of grounded rubble fields. The data can be used to quantify the effects of ice rubble on reducing ice loads in the winter and provide guidance on rubble stability and optimal rubble field extent, as well as evacuation options. |
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