Small And Mesoscale Processes In The Marginal Ice Zone Experiment

The primary objective of our research program is to understand the spatial and temporal behavior of the finestructure in the upper ocean of the marginal ice zone and, in particular, to determine the role that internal waves play in determining the behavior of that finestructure. A secondary objective is to provide high quality temperature and salinity profiles from the surface to the bottom in order to supplement the general hydrography of the region and to provide calibration data for other investigators.

The main goal of the marginal ice zone experiment (MIZEX) is to understand the processes that dictate the advance and retreat of the ice margin. Mechanistic model sensitivity studies can greatly aid in this goal by identifying the relative importance of different processes in the total system. In addition, more complete simulation models can be used both to test the adequacy of current understanding of the marginal ice zone and to serve as an integrating device for complex data sets. This volume contains the main results from a MIZEX modeling workshop held 18-20 October in Hanover, New Hampshire. Modelers interested in both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice were present. The purpose of the workshop was to determine the status of marginal ice zone modeling and to discuss different views on modeling processes in the MIZ. Results from full simulation models, mechanistic models, and empirical statistical models were presented and discussed. In addition, recommendations relevant to experimental measurements were made. The recommendations were divided into ocean, ice, and atmospheric categories; these were also the three main subject areas covered by the presentations. Overall, the workshop helped to identify areas where further simulations are needed to test our understanding and where knowledge of certain processes is lacking.

Contents: Significance of the marginal ice zone; MIZ processes, models and scientific questions; Remote sensing; Strategy of the experiment; Collateral programs; Appendix A: Detailed plan of the air-ice-ocean experiment; Appendix B: Acoustics and MIZEX; Appendix C: Biological program; Appendix D: MIZEX organization.

This document describes the research strategy for a series of mesoscale studies of Arctic marginal ice zones. The main goal of this program is to gain a better understanding of the processes occurring at the ice margin. These processes are relevant to climate, weather forecasting, petroleum exploration and production, marine transportation, naval operations, and commercial fisheries. In addition, MIZEX will aid in determining what modifications to existing ice-ocean-atmospheric models are needed for better prediction near the ice margin. These goals are consistent with recommendations made by international scientific bodies, most notably those of the Joint Scientific Committee (JSC) in its plan for the World Climate Research Programme (WMO-ICSU, 1981). In this document the JSC states that for improved modeling it is necessary: 'To study the physical processes affecting interactions between air, ice and sea at the sea-ice margin and to develop methods for their adequate representation in climate models.' More specific details on initial field programs will be addressed in planning meetings in the near future. In addition, it is anticipated that other aspects of the program, such as modeling, will be addressed in future workshops, with the results distributed in a similar format to this research strategy.

Contents: Oceanography; Ice; Meteorology; Remote Sensing; Acoustics; Biology.