Validation of the Ganular flOes for Discrete Arctic Rheology (GoDAR) sea ice discrete element model with an ice tank

Deformations in the sea ice cover occur along narrow Linear Kinematic Features (LKFs) when the load on the ice from the surface wind or ocean current exceeds the mechanical strength of sea ice in shear, tension, or compression. Along these high deformation lines, sea ice floes can slide along one another (shear), ridge (convergence), or move apart creating leads (divergence). All these processes affect the sea ice mass balance in winter, and therefore salt fluxes in the upper ocean, and vertical heat and moisture fluxes between the ocean and the atmosphere. These physical processes, which are of importance for both the global climate system modeling and operational needs, must be adequately represented in sea ice models, whether their origin comes from their physics or parameterizations. I developed the Granular flOes for Discrete Arctic Rheology (GoDAR), a Discrete Element Model (DEM) of sea ice, which is modeled as thin disks. In this framework, opening of leads (where the atmosphere and ocean exchange energy) are explicitly resolved. The goal of this project is to compare idealized simulations from Godar against laboratory experiments in an ice tank. Once Godar is validated, a parameterization of contact normal angles in shearing events will be developed.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bruno Tremblay

Student:

Partner:

Aalto University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Ocean Tech

University:

McGill University

Program: