Eddy-sea ice interaction in the Arctic Beaufort Gyre in two high-resolution ocean-sea ice models

The Beaufort Gyre (BG) is the largest freshwater reservoir in the Arctic Ocean. It is climatologically anticyclonic and governed by the Beaufort High. Its dynamics have a profound impact on the general circulation, and the possible release of freshwater has significant climate implications. The equilibrium state of the BG has been proposed to be governed by the combined role of surface wind forcing, eddy fluxes, and the ice-ocean governor. In the context of global warming, the sea ice in the BG has been transitioning toward a state of thinner and younger ice, making it more dynamic and susceptible to external forcing. Eddies are crucial and active players in the transport and mixing of heat, salt, and momentum. Our proposed work will employ large datasets obtained from two state-of-the-art km-scale ocean models to investigate eddy-sea ice interaction in the BG. This work will showcase how km-scale models can help understand eddy processes and the impacts of climate change.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Myers

Student:

Partner:

Alfred-Wegener-Institut

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Water; Ocean Tech

University:

University of Alberta

Program: