At
the end of the winter, rising oceanic swells and increasing temperatures
cause the stable winter sea-ice to break-up and begin to drift away from
where it formed. This years fast-ice therefore becomes next years pack-ice
with a portion of it melting and disappearing completely. Here a small inflatable
zodiac-like craft is (not entirely sensibly) negotiating quite close, but
relatively light pack-ice. One person drives the boat, while another sits
on the bow pushing the larger pieces of ice out of the way with his feet.
If the wind gets up and closes the ice, it could well
be goodbye to the boat and the people in it too.
Paul
Ward - Pentax equipment, 200mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission.
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