Shuga is a spongy, porridgy body of
ice suspended in water.[1] It may be formed from
grease ice or from
anchor ice rising to the surface and typically comprises lumps of ice, a few centimeters across.[2]
Shuga is the third stage in the development of
sea ice, formed as a result of snow falling on
frazil ice to become
grease ice which is then further worked by subsequent wind and wave action. As cooling continues, the next stage is reached when sheets of rind or
nilas ice emerge.[3] Shuga may also occur in freshwater situations.