A Thermodynamic Model of an Arctic Lead

Abstract

A time-dependent, two-dimensional thermodynamic model of an open lead in central arctic sea ice is presented. The effects of various advective parameterizations and temperature and salinity profiles on the nature of ice formation are investigated as the lead refreezes. Velocity and stratification under the lead appear to impose secondary but significant constraints on the rate of refreezing. This suggests the existence of regional variations in the heat loss per lead as a function of purely oceanographic factors.