Iceberg melt: chapter 4

Wave Erosion

Wave erosion at the waterline of an iceberg is the most important deterioration mechanism. Waves can rapidly, even in cold water, erode a notch or crevasse into an iceberg after which calving or fracture can occur. As these notches proceed deeper into the berg, they leave an overhanging slab protruding above the waterline. At some critical length the stresses due to the weight of the slab will cause fracture and calving of the slab.

It should be noted that calving time decreases significantly with increasing wave height. Wave action is a very efficient way to dissipate the cooling effect of a berg and keep a supply of warmer water at the edge of the iceberg.