Ice research is commonly associated with remote polar regions; however, due to the cold weather in Hamburg relevant ice processes can also be studied much closer to home. Investigating ice under local conditions provides valuable insights into its physical and mechanical behavior and helps bridge the gap between laboratory studies and full-scale Arctic observations.
In this context, we investigated river ice on the Elbe to examine how its properties compare to those of Arctic sea ice and to identify which mechanical characteristics must be considered when designing ships, locks, and port infrastructure in river environments.
Together with colleagues Lina Schoepflin, Jan Kubiczek, Andrzej Iwaszko, and Christian Woitzik we conducted field measurements in Geesthacht. During this campaign, ice samples were collected directly on site and analyzed for temperature and mechanical strength, following procedures comparable to those applied during Arctic fieldwork.
By applying established testing methods under local conditions, we were able to assess key similarities and differences between river ice and Arctic sea ice. The resulting measurements contribute to a better understanding of ice–structure interactions in inland waterways and support the development of reliable design criteria for ice-exposed infrastructure.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the city of Geesthacht for their excellent support during the fieldwork, which was essential for the successful execution of the measurements.
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