ABSTRACT 



This report describes efforts to evaluate the effects of 

 various oceanographic and meteorological variables on the 

 rate of sea ice growth, in an attempt to ascertain the most 

 important parameters to consider from the forecasting 

 standpoint. Work of Neuman and Stefan, as well as that of 

 Kolesnikov, is utilized in the form of prediction equations. 

 Results are applied to specific Arctic localities with good 

 agreement. It is concluded that the most important factors 

 affecting ice growth are air temperature, snow thickness, 

 and snow density, with several other variables playing a 

 lesser role. 



