Formation of a Modern Ice-push Ridge by Thermal Expansion of Lake Ice in Southeastern Connecticut

A modern ice-push ridge on the northwest shore of Gardner Lake in southeastern Connecticut is 0.6-1.2 m high and 1.2-3.1 m wide. In February and March 1967, the positions of survey stakes placed on the lake ice were measured periodically. During the same period, air and ice temperature and solar radiation intensity were also recorded. Analysis of the data supports the hypothesis that thermal expansion of the lake ice rather than wind action, was the principal cause of ice push. An ice-temperature change of approximately 1C/hr increase for 6 hr was sufficient to induce ice thrust. In a 30-day period, the average net shoreward movement of the surveyed area of the ice surface was 1.0 m. During the 1966-67 winter, approximately 14 m3 of beach material was reworked and deposited, forming a discontinuous ice-push ridge along 260 m of shoreline. (Author).