HISTORY AND INTRODUCTION 
Most of the coastal classifications are based on either 
descriptive or genetic features. Even the most prominent géomorpho 
logie texts indicate a considerable difference of opinion on the subject 
as well as a confusion which characterizes the existing classification 
on coasts and shorelines (Thornbury 1954). Historically, the earliest 
classifications were based upon the relative movement of land and sea. 
David (1902) divided coasts into emerging and submerging ones. Johnson 
(1919) expanded the classification with two new categories: neutral and 
compound coastlines. In this classification proposal the neutral label 
was used for those coastlines that neither emerge nor submerge and 
compound for those that reflect both emerging and submerging features. 
Shepard (1937, 1938, 1963) introduced two major classes of coasts: 
primary and secondary. The primary coasts included those whose major 
features were determined by marine erosion, marine deposition or growth 
of marine organisms. 
Valentine (1952) introduced a genetic approach. He used two 
major groups: the advanced ones and retreated ones. 
In more recent literature, the importance of microrelief 
environment gained more important recognition. Rex (1955) studied the 
microrelief produced by sea ice. The effect of permafrost, drainage 
and glacial ice on the genesis of ice-pushed ridges was investigated 
in the early sixties by several workers (Rutten 1960, Mathews and 
Mackay 1960, Kupsch 1962). Bird (1967) presented the geomorphic role 
of river, lake and sea ice in physiography of Arctic Canada. 
During the field season June 26-August 28, it became apparent 
that these ridges could be recognized on standard panchromatic, vertical 
air photographs. 
METHODS 
Reconnaissance of the eastern half of Melville Island indicated 
occurrence of shore ridges along the south-east coast of the Island between 
Nelson, Griffith and Towson Point, surrounded with the waters of Byam 
Martin Channel. Some ridges were recorded on both sides of the coast 
of the peninsula, in Weatheral Bay along south-east coast of Melville 
Island between Dundas Peninsula and Winter Harbour. 
During reconnaissance of Vassey Hamilton Island shore ridges 
were recorded along the south-west and south coast. These shore ridges 
are the most conspicuous features produced by sea ice. They are referred 
to as: ice-shoved ridges, ice ramparts and ice-pushed ridges (Bird 1967). 
Although ridge morphology varies to a greater extent, a typical 
ice-pushed ridge is generally asymmetrical. The estimated average height 
varies from 1 to 3 m. The distribution pattern is either single or