ABSTRACT
Ice regime observation and forecasting is the most important scientific challenge for ice flood control, reservoir regulation and decision-making. Models are simplified representations of the real world. The formation, development and dissolution course of ice regime are mainly decided by the river pattern, the hydrometeorological regime and human activity. The numerical ice flood model for the Ning-Meng reach is applicable for simulating ice regimes, and has been used to forecast the ice regime and support decision-making, such as on artificial ice-breaking and reservoir regulation. Especially using the forecasted air temperature data as input for running the model can prolong the lead-time during the river freeze-up and breakup period. A better understanding of river ice processes in combination with a better meteorological system could lead to further improvement of the ice modelling system. Modelling river ice processes, however, is difficult due to the complexities involved and interdisciplinary characteristics of the processes.
