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arXiv · 1705.05941

Modelling wave-induced sea ice breakup in the marginal ice zone

Fabien Montiel·Vernon A Squire
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Abstract

A model of ice floe breakup under ocean wave forcing in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) is proposed to investigate how floe size distribution (FSD) evolves under repeated wave breakup events. A three-dimensional linear model of ocean wave scattering by a finite array of compliant circular ice floes is coupled to a flexural failure model, which breaks a floe into two floes provided the two-dimensional stress field satisfies a breakup criterion. A closed-feedback loop algorithm is devised, which (i)~solves wave scattering problem for a given FSD under time-harmonic plane wave forcing, (ii)~computes the stress field in all the floes, (iii)~fractures the floes satisfying the breakup criterion and (iv)~generates an updated FSD, initialising the geometry for the next iteration of the loop.The FSD after 50 breakup events is uni-modal and near normal, or bi-modal. Multiple scattering is found to enhance breakup for long waves and thin ice, but to reduce breakup for short waves and thick ice. A breakup front marches forward in the latter regime, as wave-induced fracture weakens the ice cover allowing waves to travel deeper into the MIZ.

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Fabien Montiel, Vernon A Squire. 2017-05-16. Modelling wave-induced sea ice breakup in the marginal ice zone. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2017.0258

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