Abstract
The model of Meylan and Squire [1996], which treats solitary ice floes as floating, flexible circular disks, is incorporated into the equation of transport for the propagation of waves through a scattering medium, assumed to represent open ice pack in a marginal ice zone. The time‐independent form of the equation is then solved for homogeneous ice conditions allowing for dissipation due to scattering, together with extra absorption from interactions between floes, losses in the water column, and losses arising from the inelastic character of the sea ice including local brash. The spatial evolution of wave spectra as they progress through the pack is investigated with the aim of explaining the field data of Wadhams et al . [1986]. Specifically, the change toward directional isotropy experienced by waves as they travel into the ice interior is of interest. In accord with observations, directional spread is found to widen with penetration until eventually becoming isotropic, the process being sensitive to wave period. The effect of absorption on the solution is investigated.