20 
(a) (b) 
Figure 2.3. Maximum extent of ice cover in Szczecin Lagoon and in Pomeranian Bay in 
moderate ice winters 1976/77 (a) and 1971/72 (b). 
Table 2.6. Ice conditions in the moderate ice winters in the period 1961-1990 
Number: 11 (36 %) 
Ice-free: 0 winters 
Area 
Earliest first ice 
Earliest last ice 
Minimum number 
of days with ice 
Minimum duration of 
ice season 
Minimum of the 
ice thickness 
Sea area 
12.12. 
14.01. 
1 
1 
3 cm 
Szczecin Lagoon 
13.11. 
19.02. 
23 
28 
10 cm 
Area 
Average first 
ice 
(median) 
Average last 
ice 
(median) 
Average number of 
days with ice 
(median) 
Average duration of 
ice season 
(median) 
Average max. ice 
thickness 
Sea area 
09.01. 
25.02. 
18 
38 
13 cm 
Szczecin Lagoon 
27.12. 
18.03. 
66 
83 
22 cm 
Area 
Latest first ice 
Latest last ice 
Maximum number 
of days with ice 
Maximum duration of 
ice season 
Maximum of the 
ice thickness 
Sea area 
28.02. 
08.04. 
66 
106 
30 cm 
Szczecin Lagoon 
07.02. 
08.04. 
122 
128 
50 cm 
The average dates of first ice formation in moderate ice winters do not differ from those in 
mild ice winters. First ice forms in Szczecin Lagoon during the third decade of December and 
in the Pomeranian Bay in early January. Some ice winters began as early as mid-November in 
the Lagoon areas, and four weeks later in the Pomeranian Bay. However, even in protected 
areas, ice formation may begin as late as February. The ice usually disappears four weeks later 
than in mild winters: in late February in the sea area and by mid-March in Szczecin Lagoon. 
On average, the ice covers Szczecin Lagoon approximately for two months, its thickness 
amounts to 20 cm. In the Pomeranian Bay, ice up to 13 cm thickness is observed for three