Scale invariance in kilometer-scale sea ice deformation

Abstract

Large-scale modeling of sea ice dynamics assumes scale-invariance that is used to calibrate and validate current models. Validity of this assumption, particularly its lower spatial limit, remains poorly understood. Identifying when, where, and why scale-invariance does not apply is essential for linking meter-scale sea ice mechanics with large-scale sea ice dynamics and climate models. Here we address this challenge by employing unique high-resolution ship radar imagery from the MOSAiC expedition in an analysis based on novel deep learning-based optical flow technique. Together these allow capturing sea ice kinematics consistently at unprecedented 20 m spatial and 10 min temporal resolutions over an entire winter season and into summer over a 10 km spatial domain. We show that the sea ice within this domain remains largely quiescent for extended periods. During distinct events, a 102 m lower limit for scale-invariance is observed that endures as the ice cover undergoes seasonal evolution. This threshold remains stable throughout the winter, even as deformation features become more localized and distinct, which suggests an intrinsic mechanical constraint that is invariant under varying external conditions. Once the ice transitions to a floe-dominated configuration in summer, no comparable scaling signature emerges. Our results provide a possible limit under which continuum models fail to capture critical fine-scale processes, highlighting the need for approaches accounting for detailed description of discontinuous spatial and temporal behavior of sea ice.