Ilker Fer: Internal waves and vertical mixing in the Arctic Ocean

Recent findings show that moderate mixing levels typical of mid-latitude can erode or even remove the Arctic cold halocline layer and that internal wave induced mixing is enhanced in the absence of sea ice. In a seasonally ice-free Arctic Ocean increased levels of mixing, sufficient to remove the cold halocline layer, can be expected as a result of wind energy input over large areas of open water. The ice is then easily exposed to the relatively warm Atlantic water, possibly leading to a strong positive feedback. I will report on insight gained from field work conducted during the International Polar Year. Detailed finescale and turbulence measurements were made from drifting ice in the central Arctic and in the southern Yermak Plateau located in the Marginal Ice Zone northwest of Svalbard. Observations are analyzed to describe the characteristics of internal waves and turbulent mixing in the Arctic Ocean. The role of diapycnal mixing away from abyssal plains is discussed for the Arctic Ocean and regional heat budget and ice cover.

Ilker Fer is at the Department of Geophysics at UiB