Ice Shelf Studies off Northern Ellesmere Island, Spring 1983

ln spring 1983 work on the ice shelves of northern Ellesmere lsland was continued. A total of 55 m of 7.6 cm diameter ice core was ob- ~ tained from 10 locations. The longest core of 31.79 m is composed of iced-firn and basement ice and can be divided into three distinct strata accord- ing to ice salinity. Oscillating strains in Ward Hunt Ice Shelf were measured with a wire strainmeter. It is suggested that the periodic calving of ice ~ from Ward Hunt Ice Shelf might be related to the effects of the high frequency oscillation of 35s to 40s. Ice conditions along 150 km of coastline con- i tinue to change. Continued monitoring of the ice shelves and landfast ice is believed to be necessary in view of the offshore development in the ~ Beaufort Sea.