12 
Ice formation usually begins in the coastal areas of Szczecin Lagoon in mid-December, and in 
late December to early January ice forms in harbour areas and at the coast of Pomeranian 
Bay. In extreme years the ice formation may already begin in the second decade of November 
(Szczecin Lagoon) or in early December (Pomeranian Bay), but it is also possible that first ice 
forms as late as during the last days of February. 
In general, the ice melts completely by the end of February or mid-March. In some years the 
last ice disappeared as early as December, while the latest ice occurrence was observed on 19 
April, in the winter 1969/70, in Szczecin Lagoon. 
The distribution of ice thickness and ice concentration are shown in Figure 1.5. In Szczecin 
Lagoon, fast ice with a thickness up to 30 cm is frequently observed. In the Pomeranian Bay 
the ice thickness commonly varies between 16 and 30 cm, and open to very open drift ice is 
predominant. 
Distribution of ice thickness in Szczecin Lagoon and 
Pomeranian Bay in 1961-1990 
Koserow Kamminke Kamin Ueckermünde 
Distribution of ice concentration in Szczecin Lagoon and 
Pomeranian Bay in 1961-1990 
□ <7/10 □ 7-8/10 □9-10/10 
Koserow Kamminke Kamin Ueckermünde 
Figure 1.5. Distribution of ice thickness and ice concentration in Szczecin Lagoon and 
Pomeranian Bay, period 1961-1990