Waves in Ice
Welcome to my waves-in-ice site, where I explore the impact of ocean waves on sea ice using custom-built sensor technology and tailored data analysis. Sea ice, found in both polar regions, plays a crucial role in regulating our global climate. Its size changes with the seasons, mainly due to shifts in air temperature. However, the intricate interactions among sea ice, the atmosphere, and the ocean also influence these changes. Among these interactions, the effect of ocean waves on sea ice is one of the least understood and often ignored in climate models. Yet, explorers have long known that waves can break sea ice. As waves move through the ice, they leave trails of broken ice floes. These floes are more easily moved by winds and currents, removing the barrier between the air and the ocean and increasing heat exchange. Understanding how waves are weakened by sea ice is vital for predicting how much ice will be broken by waves. The Southern Ocean frequently experiences large storm waves with potential for devastating impacts on the sea ice, and similar events may become common in an increasingly ice-free Arctic. Here we explore these dynamic interactions and begin to unravel the mysteries of waves and ice.
Highlights
Wave attenuation
- Waves can travel 100's of kilometers into sea ice regions.
Climate Implications
- Potential for accelerated sea-ice retreat.
Impact
Our research has had significant implications across multiple areas:
Scientific Understanding
- Provided first comprehensive evidence of large waves occurring in sea ice.
- Challenged existing models.
- Demonstrated importance of wave action in sea-ice extent predictions.
Climate Modeling
- Highlighted need to include wave-ice interactions in climate models.
- Improved accuracy of sea-ice predictions.
- Helped explain accelerated ice loss observations.
Broader Implications
- Maritime Operations & Safety: Better prediction of ice conditions, improved risk assessment for shipping, and enhanced safety protocols for polar operations.
- Environmental Protection: Better understanding of ecosystem changes and improved basis for conservation strategies.
Acknowledgments
This research was made possible through funding from the following organizations:
- National Institute of Water and Atmosphere (NIWA) - National Climate Center
- University of Tasmania
- Australian Antarctic Division
- Antarctica New Zealand
- U.S. Office of Naval Research
- Australian Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Center
- Australian Research Council
- Royal Society of New Zealand (Marsden Fund Council)
- Foundation of Research Science and Technology
- Deep South National Science Challenge