Minisymposium: Wave-Ice Interactions: Nonlinearity, Paradigms, and Modelling Approaches
Abstract
The marginal ice zone (MIZ) is the region of the sea ice cover that is close enough to open ocean to be affected by it. Typically this means significant wave activity is still observable and the ice cover is comprised of fragmented ice floesof different sizes. Wave-ice interactions in the MIZ of the polar oceans comprise a complex but important set of processes heavily influencing sea ice extent, ice pack albedo, and ice thickness. In both the Arctic and Antarctic, the ice floe size distribution (FSD) in the MIZ plays a central role in in controlling wave propagation through it. Ocean waves break up and shape the ice floes which, in turn, attenuate various wave characteristics, controlling which waves propagate further into the pack. The propagating waves are attenuated by acombination of scattering, floe collisions, and the viscoelastic nature of the ice water mix. Which mechanism is dominant depends on the relative scales of wave length, floe size, and ice thickness. Wave-ice interaction has been apopular field of study in the southern hemisphere as the Antarctic sea ice pack is surrounded by an open ocean producing a robust MIZ. In contrast, the Arctic ice pack is surrounded by land mass and has historically had a much smaller MIZ and less wave action. However, with the recent dramatic decreases in summertime Arctic sea ice extent this has changed. Large areas of open water have allowed for increased wave activity in the Arctic ocean which can have a drastic effect on the extent and dynamics of the ice pack. Accurate models of wave propagation through an ice covered ocean are important for operational activities as well as long term predictions of the future behavior of the icepack. Two main approaches have been taken to model wave-ice interaction, models focused primarily on wave scattering and models which treat the icewater mix as a continuum. To date, there is no clear consensus on which paradigm is best or on the best way to move forward for further model development. Given the prominent role wave-ice interaction can play in sea ice dynamics it is thus important to reach consensus and develop comprehensive accurate models for wave-ice interaction. In order to foster discussion, build research networks, and design a road map for further progress, we have organized a minisymposium in which we will bring together mathematicians investigating both main approaches and discuss the physical processes responsible for wave attenuation in the ice pack. We will also bring together those studying the interplay between waves and the FSD in both the Arctic and Antarctic. This minisymposium is to be a part of the upcoming Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) Conference on Nonlinear Waves and Coherent Structures taking place June 11th-14th, 2018 in Anaheim, CA. The goal of this minisymposium will be to further our understanding of the actual physical processes at play, discuss modeling paradigms, and consider the challenges associated with modeling the effect waves have on the ice packs. To that endwe have organized 12 speakers into 3 sessions. The first session is focused on specific physical wave energy loss mechanisms and a discussion of the basic assumptions used in classical models. The second is focused on continuummodels and recent observations which can provide for parameter estimation. The third session is focused on the interplay between waves and the FSD. Our speakers are comprised of an international group established figures in thefield, early career scientists, and graduate students. To ensure that our invited speakers, many traveling long distances from the southern hemisphere, are able to attend our symposium we are seeking money to be used for their travelreimbursement. We believe that this minisymposium presents a unique opportunity to strengthen and refresh an international community focused on this important modem problem in sea ice dynamics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812466
Entities
People
- Christopher M. Jones
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of North Carolina