Testing a Coupled Ice-Mixed-Layer Model Under Subarctic Conditions

Abstract

Houssais, L.O.D.Y.C., UA 1206 CNRS, Univ. Paris 6, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France ISSN 0022-3670 J (Journal-Article) M (Marine) A one-dimensional oceanic mixed-layer model has been coupled with a thermodynamic sea ice model in order to study the seasonal cycle of ice-ocean interaction in the subarctic ocean. The ice thickness is assumed constant and only variations of ice compactness under the effect of the atmospheric and oceanic heat fluxes are considered. The mixed-layer model allows prediction of the rate of entrainment, mainly as the result of the penetrative buoyancy-driven convection. Both heat and salt conservation equations are included so that the respective efficiency, with regard to vertical mixing, of brine rejection below the ice and intense surface cooling in open water can be compared. The model has been run for ten years on a zonal vertical section across the Greenland Sea. The annual entrainment-retre...