Temporal and spatial changes in mixed layer properties and atmospheric net heat flux in the Nordic Seas. Extended Abstract

TitleTemporal and spatial changes in mixed layer properties and atmospheric net heat flux in the Nordic Seas. Extended Abstract
Publication TypeConference Proceedings
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsSmirnov, AA, Korablev, A, Alekseev, GV, Esau, I
Refereed DesignationUnknown
Conference NameInternational Conference on Planetary Boundary Layers and Climate Change
Series/Publication TitleIOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Volume13, no. 012006
PublisherIOP Publishing
Conference Location and Date26-28 October, 2009, Cape Town, South Africa
ISBN Number1755-1307
Abstract

The Nordic Seas are an important area of the World Ocean where warm Atlantic waters penetrate far north forming the mild climate of Northern Europe. These waters represent the northern rim of the global thermohaline circulation. Estimates of the relationships between the net heat flux and mixed layer properties in the Nordic Seas are examined. Oceanographic data are derived from the Oceanographic Data Base (ODB) compiled in the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute. Ocean weather ship ‘Mike’ (OWS) data are used to calculate radiative and turbulent components of the net heat flux. The net shortwave flux was calculated using a satellite albedo dataset and the EPA model. The net longwave flux was estimated by Southampton Oceanography Centre (SOC) method. Turbulent fluxes at the air-sea interface were calculated using the COARE 3.0 algorithm. The net heat flux was calculated by using oceanographic and meteorological data of the OWS ‘Mike’. The mixed layer depth was estimated for the period since 2002 until 2009 by the ‘Mike’ data as well. A good correlation between these two parameters has been found. Sensible and latent heat fluxes controlled by surface air temperature/sea surface temperature gradient are the main contributors into net heat flux. Significant correlation was found between heat fluxes variations at the OWS ‘Mike’ location and sea ice export from the Arctic Ocean.

DOI10.1088/1755-1315/13/1/012006
Author Address

NERSC

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