Arctic ice-ocean dynamics

Abstract

Results are included from numerical modelling experiments and, because of the close coupling of sea-ice dynamics to the ocean, there is a description of ocean circulation. Three main themes emerge: 1) the Arctic ice cover is very dynamic and this effects air-sea interaction via variable thicknesses of sea ice; 2) the motion of the ice cover has its own independent circulation due to ice interaction effects. This can also modify the ocean circulation; 3) the ice is at the top of the boundary layer and drifts at an angle to both the surface currents and the Ekman drift, with the angle and drift speed varying with wind speed and ice mass, quite apart from ice interactions or boundary layer modifications. Because of feedback effects the phenomena may have global climatic impacts. -M.A.Bass