Sir,
P.G. Law raises an interesting and important point in regard to the nomenclature of ice features, which I most heartily endorse.
The use of the term “ice island” is perhaps a bit unfortunate, but there was a justification if the alternate definition of an island is considered–something set distinctly apart from its surroundings. I do not particularly like the term iceberg which to me represents a portion of a glacier discharged into the sea. Instead of a portion of an ice shelf which has broken loose. Though a descriptive term such as “shelf berg” or “shelf island” might be coined, it is a bit too late, for the unfortunate T-3 has now been grounded for nearly a year and is slowly disintegrating. I would much prefer the title “floating ice island” and would argue that these are so few that the extra little is unimportant.
Perhaps to complicate the issue of Law’s ice islands, there is Roosevelt Island on the Ross Ice Shelf, surrounded not by the sea in a strict sense but by a floating ice shelf. Also Law’s “ice islands” may in time become either “islands,” or “islands (ice capped),” or the ice of ice islands may even become detached, in which case the ice island title would be more apt to follow the original ice than the underwater shoal that remained.
The troubles with ice feature definitions come from lack of knowledge of details and with the possibility of temporal changes. The former in many instances may never be resolved, and the latter is a threat that must be lived with. The solution lies in simple terms, and I am very much in favor of Law’s suggestions of “ice islands,” and would also include such features as Roosevelt Island (Roosevelt Ice Island). When and if the rock above sea-level becomes exposed either artificially or naturally, or is proven by geophysical means to be above sea-level, the term “ice” could be dropped. If the ice as a whole became detached the term “floating” could be added. My understanding of the sub-glacial prefix concept was that it would be mainly applicable to large sub-continent geographical provinces such as plateaus, ranges, channels, etc. It need not confuse the isolated island issue.
