Mesoscale Eddy Dynamics in the Western Arctic from an Eddy-resolving Pan-arctic Ice-ocean Model

To better understand the operation of the Arctic system we have developed an eddy resolving coupled ice-ocean model. The model consists of a regional adaptation of the Parallel Ocean Program (POP) coupled to a multi-category sea ice (CICE) model, both developed at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The spatial resolution is set to 1/48o in the horizontal direction and 48 vertical levels. The coupled model is forced with realistic daily-averaged atmospheric data derived from the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecast (ECMWF).

This study focuses on shelf-basin interaction processes in the Western Arctic. We analyze the mean and time-dependent circulation of the Chukchi Sea and pathways of Pacific Water entering the Canadian Basin. The potential of ocean dynamics on sea ice forcing in the western Arctic Ocean is emphasized. The simulation results show the jet flow through the Barrow Canyon and mesoscale eddy activities over the Beaufort shelf break. The majority of eddies are anticyclonic with diameter ranging from 10 up to 50 km. Eddy lifetimes are at least several months and longer. Examples of transport of Pacific Water across the shelf break and throughout the Beaufort Sea by mesoscale eddies are shown.