Sea ice model in a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation

Abstract

The work examines a new model of sea-ice dynamics and thermodynamics in a hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian framework. The sea ice is represented by a large ensemble of Lagrangian markers, each characterized by its position, velocity, and a set of physical properties (e.g., ice and snow volume, thickness, and other state variables). The evolution of the markers combines Lagrangian transport with Eulerian grid-based rheology computations, yielding a semi-Lagrangian approach. The main objective of this paper is to demonstrate the dynamic block of the new model. The work describes the principal components of the dynamics (rheology, transport, mechanical redistribution, and ridging) and presents results from benchmark simulations that verify the correct functioning of these components. Finally, the performance of the coupled ocean–sea-ice model is illustrated in a realistic Arctic Ocean configuration.