A shore lead (or coastal lead) is an oceanographic term for a waterway opening between pack ice and shore. While the gap of water[1] may be as narrow as a tide crack if closed by wind or currents, it can be as wide as 1,000 feet (300 m).[2] Its formation can be influenced by tidal action, or subsurface conditions, such as current and ocean floor.[2] Commonly, a shore lead is navigable by surface vessels.[3]
An opening ("lead") between pack ice and fast ice is referred to as a flaw lead.[3]
