A THERMODYNAMIC MODEL OF A CENTRAL ARCTIC OPEN LEAD

A time-dependent, two-dimensional thermodynamic model of an open lead in central arctic sea ice is presented. The model is generated by opening a lead of finite width and infinite extent in the equilibrium sea-ice cover. From this initial condition, the model is integrated numerically as a sea-ice cover is reestablished over the lead. The effects of various representative advective parameterizations, and temperature and salinity profiles in the ocean's surface layer, on the heat flux through the lead and on the nature of ice formation are investigated as the lead closes by thermal processes alone. Continuity equations involving a horizontal advection term and a vertical diffusion term govern heat and salt transport in the water. Cooling-induced covective overturn as a mechanism for vertical heat and salt transport in the water column is treated through an artifice of the vertical diffusion term. (Author)

• Corporate Authors:

  Naval Postgraduate School

  1 University Circle
  Monterey, CA  United States  93943
• Authors:
  • Harris, R
• Publication Date: 1971-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 86 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Forecasting; Ice; Ice formations; Sea ice; Thermal diffusion
• Candidate Terms: Ice forecasting
• Geographic Terms: Arctic Regions
• Old TRIS Terms: Ice models
• Subject Areas: Hydraulics and Hydrology; Marine Transportation; Planning and Forecasting;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00028959
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: MA Thesis
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 21 1972 12:00AM