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Linking the Atmospheric Boundary Layer to the Amundsen Gulf Sea-Ice Cover: A Mesoscale to Synoptic-Scale Perspective from Winter to Summer 2008

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Abstract

The link between the sea-ice cover of the Amundsen Gulf and the overlying atmospheric boundary layer was explored on a weekly timestep from winter to summer 2008. The total sea-ice cover was around 97% (3% leads) from 7 January to 21 April. From 28 April to 12 May, the total sea-ice cover approached 100%. From May 19, the total sea-ice declined rapidly to its July minimum of 3%. During the winter, a turbulent internal boundary layer (IBL), attributed to the upward flux of sensible heat (mean = 46 W m−2), was present in most of the mean daily potential temperature profiles. The mean latent heat flux was 1.7 Wm−2. A turbulent IBL was also present in most of the mean daily profiles for early spring. Surface fluxes were not estimated. During late spring and early summer, a stable IBL, attributed to the downward flux of sensible heat (mean = −19 W m−2), was present in most of the potential temperature profiles. Both downward and upward fluxes of latent heat occurred in this period (means = −3.3 and 1.1 W m−2). The sensible heat flux estimates are consistent with the results of others; however, the latent heat flux estimates may be too small due to condensation/deposition within the IBL. The unconsolidated nature of the pack ice in the Amundsen Gulf, and the low sea-surface temperatures following break-up, were critical factors controlling the presence and type of IBL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Earth Observation Science, Department of Environment and Geography, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada

    R. L. Raddatz, R. J. Galley & D. G. Barber

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  1. R. L. Raddatz
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  2. R. J. Galley
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  3. D. G. Barber
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Correspondence to R. L. Raddatz.

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Raddatz, R.L., Galley, R.J. & Barber, D.G. Linking the Atmospheric Boundary Layer to the Amundsen Gulf Sea-Ice Cover: A Mesoscale to Synoptic-Scale Perspective from Winter to Summer 2008. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 142, 123–148 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10546-011-9669-2

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