Air-ice-ocean interactions under a summer Arctic cyclone: observations from two ice-tethered profilers

An Arctic cyclone passed over two Ice-Tethered Profilers (ITPs) in the Western Arctic Ocean on 28 July 2020. Each ITP measured ocean conditions from 7 to 750m depth, collecting data immediately before and after the storm that is used to quantify changes in ocean conditions. Prestorm conditions were similar for ITP113 and ITP114, and the mixed layer at both locations became deeper and saltier due to the storm. There were post-storm differences between ITP113 and 114, with ITP114 having a mixed layer that was 5 m deeper, 0.8 g/kg saltier and 0.05°C colder than for ITP113. These differences resulted from differing amounts of precipitation and surface melt, with shallower mixed layers resulting where there was a larger freshwater input. Overall, ocean freshening corresponded to total ice melt of 37cm for ITP113 and 14cm for ITP114. The freshwater can be attributed to an estimated 4-7 cm of precipitation, and 2-4 cm of melt due to ocean heat entrainment, with the remainder inferred to be from surface ice melt, or past melt that remained shallower than 5 m depth. Post-storm mixed layer depths differences have the potential to impact the ice and ocean throughout summer and fall by changing the amount of solar radiation stored within the ocean. These observations from neighboring ITPs provide insights into the effects of Arctic cyclones on upper ocean conditions, and the feedback between storms, ocean conditions, and sea ice cover.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Hirth, Lilli E.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cole, Sylvia T.

• Cyclone
• Arctic
• Ice-tethered profiler

DOI

10.1575/1912/72320

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:darchive.mblwhoilibrary.org:1912/72320