A Model for the Prediction of Initial Sea Ice Formation

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Abstract
Procedures are designed to calculate the net heat input at the air-water interface and the response of the oceanic mixed layer from summer to freeze-up. Sensible and latent heating are computed from the generalized similarity theory of Yamada (1976) and Arya (1977), using the mean geostrophic wind in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and the potential temperature at the top of the PBL. Effects of variable cloud amount and base are included in the calculation of long- and shortwave radiation. The sea-surface albedo depends on solar zenith angle and sea roughness. The method of computing the growth of the oceanic mixed layer is adapted from Niiler and Kraus (1977). The model is applied to Hudson Bay and the Beaufort Sea. Cooling is accomplished mainly by sensible and latent heat losses, with effects of long- and shortwave radiation offsetting one another. Agreement with observed freeze-up dates is generally good. The sensitivity to input data is tested with the Beaufort Sea version. Computed freeze-up dates are sensitive to the initial mixed layer depth and the density below the pycnocline.

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