Lancho-Barrantes B.S., Guerrero-Bote V.P. & Moya-Anegon F. (2010) The iceberg hypothesis revisited. Scientometrics 85(2): 443-461

Abstract. A study is described of the rank/JIF (Journal Impact Factor) distributions in the high-coverage Scopus database, using recent data and a three-year citation window. It includes a comparison with an older study of the Journal Citation Report categories and indicators, and a determination of the factors most influencing the distributions. While all the specific subject areas fit a negative logarithmic law fairly well, those with a greater External JIF have distributions with a more sharply defined peak and a longer tail—something like an iceberg.