Ice Drift Vector
Free-drifting ice moves ~2 % of wind speed at ~30° to the right of wind (Nansen rule) in northern hemisphere, plus any surface-current contribution.
Ice drift speed
0.87kn
Ice drift direction (towards)
103.3°T
Formula, assumptions, and limits
Nansen's rule - 2 % of wind speed, 30° right of wind in Northern hemisphere (left in Southern). First-year ice drifts more; multi-year less. At high ice concentration, internal ice stresses limit drift considerably.
Symbol legend
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface wind speed | kn | anemometer | |
| Surface current | kn | ADCP / model |