Governing Equations at the Ice-Ocean Interface
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To model the ice-ocean boundary layer, we utilize the Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation. In the bulk, the governing equations can be written as follows:
OSII
The Arctic region has undergone profound transformations in recent decades due to a rapid decline in sea ice extent. These shifts impact the interplay between sea ice, the atmosphere, and the ocean, involving complex thermodynamic and dynamic processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for addressing the repercussions of Arctic climate change. However, existing models used for climate projections struggle to capture fine-scale processes at the ocean-sea ice boundary, necessitating parametrizations. Unfortunately, these parametrizations are grounded in empirical rather than theoretical foundations, limiting their applicability across diverse ocean conditions.
Recent studies highlight the increased role of wind-driven mixing at the ocean-sea ice interface and the lack of studies that include the joint effect of double diffusion convection, two fundamental processes occurring in sea ice-covered regions. The OSII project seeks to bridge this critical gap by employing highly efficient direct numerical simulations (DNS). This innovative approach promises a more precise comprehension of ice melting rates and boundary-layer dynamics resulting from the complex interplay of internal waves/tides and double diffusion convection.
The OSII project is committed to:
- Quantifying the influence of tides on double diffusion convection within a homogeneous fluid flow.
- Exploring the interplay between internal waves induced by a wave-maker and double diffusion convection in stratified flows.
- Enhancing the vertical mixing parametrization within the NEMO-SI3 general circulation model through insights derived from DNS outcomes.
Oceananigans.jl Example: 1D Temperature and Salinity Diffusion
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This Oceananigans.jl example simulates the diffusion of a one-dimensional Gaussian temperature and salinity tracers.
Oceananigans.jl Example: 1D Temperature and Salinity Diffusion at the ice-ocean interface
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This Oceananigans.jl example simulates the diffusion of one-dimensional Gaussian temperature and salinity tracers in an ice-ocean environment.
Oceananigans.jl Example: 2D Navier-Stokes Boussinesq Approximation at the Ice-Ocean Interface
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This Oceananigans.jl example simulates the melting of sea ice in a two-dimensional setup.
Non-Dimensional Governing Equations at the Ice-Ocean Interface
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We utilize the Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation. The governing equations can be written as follows:
Finding the Optimal Resolution for Ice-Ocean 2D Simulations
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Here we present results from our 2D simulations, where we varied the model resolution to determine the optimal configuration. We analyze the evolution of key physical properties and compute the melt rate.
Finding the Optimal Resolution for Ice-Ocean 3D Simulations
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We evaluate our melt ice-ocean problem in a three dimmensional configuration. We vary the vertical and horizontal resolution, as well as the Lewis number.
First excited mode at the Ice-Ocean Boundary: Impact of Initial Conditions and Lewis Numbers
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In our previous 3D simulations with constant initial values for temperature and salinity, we observed that the first excited mode led to an unstable density profile, with heavier layers overlying lighter ones, for all Lewis numbers greater than 1. Here, we explore this instability by modifying the initial conditions for temperature and salinity, ranging from a uniform profile in the vertical direction to a stratified one. Additionally, we examine the effects of varying Lewis numbers.