Radiative Heating in Ice

The energy fluxes that exist in an ice sheet exposed to a collimated beam of radiant energy were examined. A theoretical model was used which includes the effects of anisotropic scattering as well as the spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient of ice and of the incident radiation beam. Laboratory measurements were also made which generally confirm the predictions of the model. The results calculated from the model are primarily intended for use in analyzing two particular problems involving radiative transfer in ice. These are: (a) the assessment of the feasibility of using radiant energy sources as a means of removing ice from structures, and (b) the prediction of temperatures and internal melting in ice covers on lakes and rivers due to the absorption of solar radiation.