Two-way Interactions between Arctic Cyclones and Sea Ice
Abstract
d intensity, is largely unknown, leaving gaps in the understanding of weather- and climate-scale consequences related to interaction,s between ACs and sea ice. In part, these gaps in understanding stem from limited observations due to the ,nature. To address these gaps in understanding, the objectives of this research are to investigate the role of sea ice in the evolut,ion of AC structure and intensity, and to investigate the consequences of ACs moving over sea ice. The latter objective will include, analyses of sea-ice fracturing, redistribution, and growth/erosion. From a weather-based perspective, thorough understanding of how, ACs and sea ice interact is useful for maritime and continental interests. For mariners, knowing whether an AC may strengthen, weak,en, or meander based on interactions with sea ice can be critical for mission planning and navigation. Strong winds associated with,ACs generate ocean waves, which have the potential to fracture and/or redistribute sea ice, especially in the marginal ice zone (MIZ,), which typically separates open ocean from consolidated sea ice. Conversely, advective and diabatic associated with ACs may assist, in regional sea-ice consolidation, particularly in the case of a cold-air outbreak. The fracturing, movement, or consolidation of s,ea ice by ACs can be consequential for maritime interests, as these processes can open or close navigation routes. Further, as Arcti,c sea ice becomes less widespread and consolidated in summer, forecasts of ACs may become increasingly important for navigation. The, approach to address the aforementioned research objectives will begin with cataloging applicable cases where ACs translate over sea, ice, using reanalysis and observational data where available. Case studies will illustrate various synoptic scenarios (e.g., synopt,ic-scale ACs, weak ACs with quasi-zonal flow, and ACs tied to interactions with tropospheric polar vortices). The cataloging of case,s will include evaluations of the synoptic environment, which will identify relevant large-scale features that may affect AC?sea-ice, interactions. After cataloging cases, a coupled modeling framework will be adopted to conduct simulations of the cases with AC?sea-,ice interactions. Due to limited observational data documenting sea ice details (e.g., ice thickness and type, floe size distributio,n) and surface fluxes near the sea-ice edge, the project aims to conduct a suite of simulations that represents a range of assumptio,ns about the character of sea ice. The simulation suite will span a range of modeling complexity, which is anticipated to reveal rel,ative sensitivities of AC?sea-ice interactions to different modeling assumptions. One coupled modeling framework that can be used fo,r the simulation suite is the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration?s Unified Forecasting System (UFS). The UFS link,s models for the atmosphere, ocean, sea ice, and ocean waves, similar to the Navy?s NEPTUNE system. As an example, a testable hypoth,esis in the simulation suite using the coupled system is that AC intensity is insensitive to MIZ floe sizes. The project research is, anticipated to yield presentations and peer-reviewed publications; the scope of the project suggests that multiple manuscripts can,be prepared and submitted for publication in the refereed literature. Research results may be pertinent to Naval operations affected, by ACs and sea ice. Documentation for using the coupled modeling framework to conduct research also will be produced and made avail,able to researchers. This project summary is Approved for Public Release.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 08, 2022
- Source ID
- N000142212734
Entities
People
- Lance Bosart
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Research Foundation for the State University of New York
- United States Navy