Egg Codes 1

Ice charts rely extensively on ice codes

and symbols to permit the most efficient
use of the limited map space available to
describe sea ice and icebergs. This
terminology is unique to those nations who
maintain an operational ice service.

Egg code - www.natice.noaa.gov/egg_code/index.html
Egg Codes 2
S
o
S
d

Total concentration of ice in area, reported in tenths.
Partial concentration (Ca, Cb, Cc) are reported
in tenths, but must be reported as a single
digit. These are reported in order of decreasing
thickness.
Stages of development ( Sa, Sb, Sc) are listed
using the following code in decreasing order of
thickness. These codes are directly correlated
with the partial concentrations above.
Predominant form of ice (floe size) corresponding to
Sa, Sb and Sc respectively.
.
.
Total concentration
Type concentration
Stage of development (thickness)
Form (floe size)
.
5/10
ths

total concentration of ice
1/10
th
of
2/10
ths
of

2/10
ths
of

Thick
first year
(>120cm)
Med first
year
(70-120cm)
First year
thin
(30-70cm)
Ice cake
(3-20m)
Ice cake
(3-20m)
Ice cake
(3-20m)
.
Antarctic Sea Ice Ross Sea
Swedish Ice Service
The ice extent at sea is of great importance to shipping
and ice breaker assistance is often required, particularly
when vessels are destined to ports in northern Sweden.
During winter time, the ice conditions are monitored on a
daily basis, usually during the period NovemberMay.

The ice meteorologist receives detailed reports on ice type
and ice thickness, partly from observers along the coast
(i.e. pilots), partly from the icebreakers in service which are
sailing around the clock in ice-infested waters. Aerial
reconnaissance from icebreaker-based helicopters is also
carried out.

Satellite images, mainly from the US weather satellites are
used when available to present the large-scale ice
conditions, provided clear skies.
More detailed ice information can be obtained from a
specific satellite based instrument called Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR). SAR-sensors are available for instance on the
commercial Canadian RADARSAT and on the European
ENVISAT.

A correct description of the ice coverage is also needed
input to the weather forecast models as the ice extent at
sea plays a significant role in modifying the weather in
coastal areas, both concerning temperature and
clouds/precipitation.

Finally, the result of the daily ice mapping procedure forms
a part of a data base, from which climate statistics or other
useful information on the sea ice surrounding Sweden can
be extracted.
Further study
On Blackboard checkout:
Canadian Ice Service
International Ice Patrol
Baltic Sea Ice Charts