Arctic Studies with Coupled Ice-Ocean Models
Abstract
The upper ocean is modeled in the framework of a three dimensional mixed-layer approximation and is coupled to the Hiber thermodynamic dynamic ice model. Two different modeling approaches are used for the interior ocean. In one, the geostrophic velocity is obtained from an inverse, Beta-spiral, type of model. In another, the barotrophic velocity is calculated prognostically. Topography is included in both approaches. The model is initialized form Levitus climatology and is forced by NOGAPS atmospheric forcing. Studies of diurnal and seasonal regimes are performed. The nature of the boundary layer under ice, in the marginal ice zone, and open water is analyzed. Transmission of wind stress through the ice is considered. The resultant Ekman pumping and the forcings of the interior ocean are calculated. In the Greenland Sea and Norwegian Sea areas, major changes in the behavior of the upper ocean are observed from the Arctic Basin outwards. Deep neutrally stable mixed layers tend to occur outside the MIZ. The heat and salt budgets of these regions are computed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA231768
Entities
People
- Alex Warn-varnas
- Rick Allard
- Steve Piacsek
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory