Archived Content
Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats by contacting us.
This micrographic image of desalinated Arctic sea ice was taken in the 1980s near the Mould Bay weather station on Prince Patrick Island in the Canadian Arctic. The image displays the micro-structural elements of sea ice, which becomes stronger as it ages as a result of the desalination process. The scattered white dots represent air pockets in the ice. The wide array of natural colours is visible because ice crystals are ?birefringent? or double refractive ' meaning they split light into two unequally transmitted waves. As a result, we can clearly see the crystal shapes and sizes. 
