Pancake ice

As a pancake (English Pancake Ice) or Chantelle rice a sea ice type is called, which consists of mainly circular pieces of ice with a diameter of 30 cm to 3 m.

The initial sea ice type consists of so-called Frazil ice cream, these are ice needles that are formed at the ocean surface. In the continuing freezing process, the ice needles combine to platelets and clots. It forms a thin, soupy layer Grease Ice ( ice slurry ) is called. From the ice mud thereafter forms the pancake. The presence of sea state is important for the formation of pancake ice, because otherwise a closed ice cover ( nilas ) forms. Due to the ongoing collision of the " pancakes " this typically receive a beaded edge Scholl.

Pancake ice may cover large areas of water within days. The freezing of the water, a large amount of salt is discharged in a short time in the remaining sea water and increases the density. The weight differences by the concentrated salt entry can cause the formation of short-lived convective plumes. By aufwellende and then cooling warmer deep water a repetitive alternation of freezing and melting begins which contributes to a large part of the convection in the winter.