Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Ice-Albedo Feedback Processes in the Arctic Basin
Abstract
The overall goal of our proposed work is to develop a quantitative understanding of the processes that collectively make up the ice-albedo feedback mechanism. To achieve this goal, we must first determine how shortwave radiation is distributed within the ice-ocean system, then assess the effects of this distribution on the regional heat and mass balance of the ice pack. Specifically we wish to determine: (1) How is shortwave radiation partitioned between reflection, surface melting, internal heat storage, and transmission to the ocean, and (2) How is this partitioning affected by the physical properties of the ice, snow cover, melt ponds and the distribution of particulates? (3) What is the areal distribution of ice, ponds, and leads, (4) How does this distribution vary with time, and (5) What is the impact on area-averaged heat and mass fluxes? (6) What are the crucial variables needed to characterize ice-albedo feedback processes and their effect on the heat and mass balance of the ice pack, and (7) How accurately can the ice-albedo feedback processes be treated through simplified models and parameterizations?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA536778
Entities
People
- D. K. Perovich
- J. A. Richter-menge
- Martin Sturm
- W. B. Tucker Iii
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory