A simple model for multiple equilibria in ice-covered oceans
A simple model for multiple equilibria in ice-covered oceans
Date
2024-09-18
Authors
Spall, Michael A.
Linked Authors
Person
Alternative Title
Citable URI
As Published
Date Created
Location
DOI
10.1175/jpo-d-24-0022.1
Related Materials
Replaces
Replaced By
Keywords
Boundary currents
Diapycnal mixing
Ocean dynamics
Sea ice
Arctic
Diapycnal mixing
Ocean dynamics
Sea ice
Arctic
Abstract
The existence of multiple equilibria (ice-covered and ice-free states) is explored using a set of coupled, nondimensional equations that describe the heat and salt balances in basins, such as the Arctic Ocean, that are subject to atmospheric forcing and two distinct water mass sources. Six nondimensional numbers describe the influences of atmospheric cooling, evaporation minus precipitation, solar radiation, atmospheric temperature, diapycnal mixing, and the temperature contrast between the two water masses. It is shown that multiple equilibria resulting from the dependence of albedo on ice cover exist over a wide range of parameter space, especially so in the weak mixing limit. Multiple equilibria can also occur if diapycnal mixing increases to O(10−4) m2 s−1 or larger under ice-free conditions due to enhanced upward mixing of warm, salty water from below. Sensitivities to various forcing parameters are discussed.
Description
Author Posting. © American Meteorological Society, 2024. This article is posted here by permission of American Meteorological Society for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Spall, M. (2024). A simple model for multiple equilibria in ice-covered oceans. Journal of Physical Oceanography, https://doi.org/10.1175/jpo-d-24-0022.1.
Embargo Date
Citation
Spall, M. (2024). A simple model for multiple equilibria in ice-covered oceans. Journal of Physical Oceanography.