Wave-ice interactions in the marginal ice zone. Part 2: Numerical implementation and sensitivity studies along 1D transects of the ocean surface

Abstract

The theoretical foundation of a wave-ice interaction model is reported in Part 1 of this study. The model incorporates attenuation of ocean surface waves by sea ice floes and the concomitant breaking of the floes by waves that determines the structure of the marginal ice zone (MIZ). A numerical implementation of the method is presented here. Convergence of the numerical method is demonstrated, as temporal and spatial grids are refined. A semi-analytical method, which does not require time-stepping, is also developed to validate the numerical results, when dispersion is neglected. The wave energy lost during ice breakage is parameterized, as part of the numerical method. Sensitivity studies are conducted in relation to the energy loss and also dispersive effects, the choice of the attenuation model, the properties of the wave field, and sea ice properties such as concentration, thickness and breaking strain. Example simulations intended to represent conditions in the Fram Strait in 2007, which exploit reanalyzed wave and ice model data, are shown to conclude the results section. These are compared to estimates of MIZ widths based on a concentration criteria, and obtained from remotely-sensed passive microwave images. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.