Project description
Direct numerical simulations to understand the ice melting rates
The Arctic has experienced significant changes due to declining sea ice. Understanding these changes is crucial, but current climate models struggle to capture fine-scale processes at the ocean-sea ice boundary. Recent studies highlight the increased role of wind-driven mixing and the lack of research on double diffusion convection in sea ice-covered regions. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the OSII project aims to use direct numerical simulations (DNS) to better understand ice melting rates and boundary-layer dynamics. It focuses on quantifying the impact of tides on double-diffusion convection and examining the interaction between internal waves and double-diffusion convection. Based on DNS insights, the project will improve the vertical mixing parameterisation in the NEMO-SI3 model.
Objective
The Arctic region has undergone profound transformations in recent decades due to a rapid decline in sea ice extent. These shifts impact the interplay between sea ice, the atmosphere, and the ocean, involving complex thermodynamic and dynamic processes. Understanding these interactions is crucial for addressing the repercussions of Arctic climate change. However, existing models used for climate projections struggle to capture fine-scale processes at the ocean-sea ice boundary, necessitating parametrizations. Unfortunately, these parametrizations are grounded in empirical rather than theoretical foundations, limiting their applicability across diverse ocean conditions. Recent studies highlight the increased role of wind-driven mixing at the ocean-sea ice interface and the lack of studies that include the joint effect of double diffusion convection, two fundamental processes occurring in sea ice-covered regions. The Ocean-Sea Ice Interaction (OSII) project seeks to bridge this critical gap by employing highly efficient direct numerical simulations (DNS). This innovative approach promises a more precise comprehension of ice melting rates and boundary-layer dynamics resulting from the complex interplay of internal waves/tides and double diffusion convection.
The OSII project is committed to:
1) Quantify the influence of tides on double diffusion convection within a homogeneous fluid flow.
2) Explore the interplay between internal waves induced by a wave-maker and double diffusion convection in stratified flows.
3) Enhance the vertical mixing parametrization within the NEMO-SI3 general circulation model through insights derived from DNS outcomes.
OSII will enable the candidate fellow to produce impactful research results for the research community, policymakers, and the public. Moreover, it will provide her with top-tier training from world-renowned institutions in fluid dynamics and oceanography, enhancing her prospects of obtaining a permanent research position.
Fields of science
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic zones
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesclassical mechanicsfluid mechanicsfluid dynamics
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesoceanography
- natural sciencesearth and related environmental sciencesatmospheric sciencesclimatologyclimatic changes
Keywords
Programme(s)
- HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Main Programme
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European FellowshipsCoordinator
75794 Paris
France