A Simple Steady-State Coupled Ice-Ocean Model, with Application to the Greenland-Norwegian Sea

Abstract

McGill Univ., Climate Res. Group, Dep. Meteorol., 805 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Que. H3A 2K6, Canada J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) A thermodynamic reduced-gravity ocean model forced by the steady-state surface wind stress and a Haney-type heat flux was used to determine the climatological ice-edge position, ice thickness, ocean circulation, and upper-ocean temperature in a high-latitude meridional channel. The ice model used is purely thermodynamic; however, a parameterization is used to allow the surface wind stress to be transmitted to the water below the ice. The model is applied to the Greenland and Norwegian seas, between 60 degree and 80 degree N, and between the east coast of Greenland and 15 degree E. Exterior to a narrow western boundary layer, the predicted ice-edge position compares favorably with the climatological 90% ice concentration isoline obtained from an analysis of 32 years of Arctic sea ice data ASFA 2: Oc...