Accuracy and precision when deriving sea-ice thickness from thermistor strings: a comparison of methods

A precise knowledge of landfast sea-ice (fast-ice) thickness is relevant to many different disciplines. Sea Ice Monitoring Stations (SIMS) are used to measure time series of fast-ice thickness at a location. SIMS measure ice and ocean temperature via thermistor strings with many different methods for extracting sea-ice thickness from temperature existing. This study investigates: if thickness results from temperature recorded by SIMS of different designs, and analysed with different methods are comparable; which methods are recommended for their robustness, precision and accuracy and how they compare to independent thickness measurements; how otherwise unuseable data can be salvaged through specific SIMS designs. We present an analysis of fast-ice thickness calculated from SIMS deployed in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and in the Chukchi Sea near Utqiagvik, Alaska, over two decades. We find that median thicknesses derived by different methods agree within 1 +/- 1.5 cm for McMurdo Sound and 2 +/- 3 cm for Utqiagvik. Thus, it is possible to confidently compare data collected from different stations and analysed with different methods. The vertical gradient of sea-ice temperature gives the best results for fast-ice thickness during the growth season and including standard resistors in a thermistor string can reduce potential data loss due to noise.

Automated summary

Accurate landfast sea-ice (fast-ice) thickness is important for various disciplines. This study examines the comparability of thickness results from different designs and methods of Sea Ice Monitoring Stations (SIMS), identifies recommended methods for robustness and accuracy, and explores salvaging unuseable data through specific SIMS designs. The analysis of SIMS data from McMurdo Sound and the Chukchi Sea shows that median thicknesses derived from different methods are comparable, and the vertical gradient of sea-ice temperature provides the best results for fast-ice thickness.