Pease polynya model ($L_{\infty }=HU/F,\tau =H/F$)

The simplest Pease polynya model balances offshore ice export at speed $U$ against production of new ice at thickness rate $F$ within an open strip of width $L$. Newly formed ice is collected into an edge of prescribed thickness $H$, with negligible residence time. Per unit coastline length, conservation gives $H(U-\dot{L})=FL$. For constant positive parameters,Thus the equilibrium width is $HU/F$ and the relaxation time is $H/F$. If warming reduces $F$ while $U,H$ stay fixed, both increase. With $F\le 0$ the positive-freezing equilibrium ceases to apply. Finite frazil ice residence, variable atmospheric forcing and alongshore transport require extensions of the model.