Observations of internal wave generation in the seasonally ice-free Arctic

Details Observations of internal wave generation in the seasonally ice-free Arctic Observations of internal wave generation in the seasonally ice-free Arctic

Dec 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009georl..3623604r&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 36, Issue 23, CiteID L23604

Physics

8

Oceanography: Physical: Internal And Inertial Waves, Oceanography: Physical: Turbulence, Diffusion, And Mixing Processes (4490), Oceanography: Physical: Ice Mechanics And Air/Sea/Ice Exchange Processes (0700, 0750, 0752, 0754), Oceanography: General: Arctic And Antarctic Oceanography (9310, 9315), Oceanography: General: Diurnal, Seasonal, And Annual Cycles (0438)

Scientific paper

The Arctic is generally considered a low energy ocean. Using mooring data from the northern Chukchi Sea, we confirm that this is mainly because of sea-ice impeding input of wind energy into the ocean. When sea-ice is present, even strong storms do not induce significant oceanic response. However, during ice-free seasons, local storms drive strong inertial currents (>20 cm/s) that propagate throughout the water column and significantly deepen the surface mixed layer. The large vertical shear associated with summer inertial motions suggests a dominant role for localized and seasonal vertical mixing in Arctic Ocean dynamics. Our results imply that recent extensive summer sea-ice retreat will lead to significantly increased internal wave generation especially over the shelves and also possibly over deep waters. This internal wave activity will likely dramatically increase upper-layer mixing in large areas of the previously quiescent Arctic, with important ramifications for ecosystems and ocean dynamics.

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