The
systems of iceberg classification were established by two principal
iceberg monitoring organisations: the International Ice Patrol
(IIP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The IIP,
established in response to the Titanic disaster, is mainly concerned
with iceberg proportions. The WMO's system is based principally
on iceberg shape. Both systems are in widespread use.
| World
Meteorological Organization System |
|
Type |
Freeboard (m) |
Waterline Length (m) |
Phys. Area Above Waterline (m2) |
Relative
Size |
Mass
(t) |
|
Growler |
<1 |
<10 |
<100 |
Grand
piano |
up to 120 |
|
Bergy bit |
1-5 |
10-30 |
100-300 |
Small
house |
up to 5,400 |
|
Iceberg |
>5 |
>30 |
300 |
Merchant
ship |
180,000 |
|
Further
iceberg classification by size |
|
Small |
Height <16 m, length <65 m |
|
Medium |
Height 16–48 m, length 65–130 m |
|
Large |
Height
48–70 m, length 130–225 m |
|
Very
large |
Height
>70 m, length >225 m |
|
Additional
iceberg classification by type |
|
Tabular
(ice island) |
Flat-topped iceberg, horizontal banding |
|
Domed |
Iceberg with smooth and rounded top |
|
Pinnacled |
Iceberg
with central spire/pyramid, having one or more spires |
|
Wedged |
Iceberg
with flat top, one end with steep vertical sides and the other
end sloping to lesser sides |
|
Drydocked |
Iceberg
with erosion giving it a U-shaped slot near/at water level,
with twin columns/pinnacles |
|
Blocky |
Iceberg
with flat top and steep vertical sides |
 |
Notes
The freeboard is the height above the waterline.
Sources
Fequest, D. MANICE. Downsview, Ont.: Environment
Canada, 2005.
Rees, W.G. Remote Sensing of Snow and Ice. Boca Raton,
FL: Taylor & Francis Group, 2006.
Wadhams, P. Ice in the Ocean. Australia: Gordon and
Breach, 2000. |
