This
kind of ice looks smooth from a distance, but is very difficult and slow going
to traverse. It is made up of last years pack ice (frozen sea-ice) that
broke up, partially melted and became far from a smooth surface during the
summer. Now, in the winter, the random shaped, uneven pieces have been
cemented together by frozen sea water in between. The result is a very
rugged surface where the quickest way to travel is by foot, vehicles or
skis require so much continuous stop-start and change of direction that
they actually slow you down.
The long pole carried by the figure in the picture is
known as a "bog chisel". It is a 6ft pole with a 3" wide
unsharpened chisel blade on the end used to test the strength of sea-ice.
If it takes three or more hefty "thwacks" to get through the ice
to the sea beneath, then it is safe to walk on. If not, then it is a case
of very carefully and slowly re-trace your steps to the last place where
it was safe.
Paul
Ward - Pentax equipment, 50mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission.
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