Sea ice mechanics

Abstract

Earth System Models (ESM), simulating sea ice and its interaction with the atmosphere and open ocean, require reliable physical, chemical, and biological input from measurements. There is limited data available from the Marginal Ice Zone of the Antarctic, where sea ice growth mechanisms differ from the Arctic. The main objective of this study is to review existing work related to Antarctic sea ice and highlight gaps in the available literature. The mechanical properties of sea ice and the numerical modeling of sea ice across all scales are covered. We summarize the genesis, physical mechanics, static and dynamic properties, strength, toughness, and transport of young sea ice as well as medium to large scale observation. On the computational mechanics side large- and small-scale modeling, ocean-sea ice and atmosphere-sea ice models, as well as sea ice rheology models, sea ice fracture mechanics, and bio-geo-chemical interaction processes are captured. The synergy between the physical and computational mechanics brings to light missing information from both fields. Plain language summary (PLS) Sea ice determines the interaction of the ocean with the atmosphere in both the southern and northern hemispheres. Its formation and annual development is subject to mechanical interaction with ocean currents and winds. This review covers the mechanics of sea ice in the Antarctic and its relation to the Arctic covering experiment and modelling. Impact on the climate is discussed.