Role of tides in Arctic ocean/ice climate

Abstract

A three-dimensional coupled ocean/ice model, intended for long-term Arctic climate studies, is extended to include tidal effects. From saved output of an Arctic tides model, we introduce parameterizations for (1) enhanced ocean mixing associated with tides and (2) the role of tides fracturing and mobilizing sea ice. Results show tides enhancing loss of heat from Atlantic waters. The impact of tides on sea ice is more subtle as thinning due to enhanced ocean heat flux competes with net ice growth during rapid openings and closings of tidal leads. Present model results are compared with an ensemble of nine models under the Arctic Ocean Model Intercomparison Project (AOMIP). Among results from AOMIP is a tendency for models to accumulate excessive Arctic Ocean heat throughout the intercomparison period 1950 to 2000 which is contrary to observations. Tidally induced ventilation of ocean heat reduces this discrepancy.