Modeling linear kinematic features in pack ice

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the impact of grid resolution and yield conditions on the modeling of linear kinematic features (LKFs) by using a two‐level viscous‐plastic sea ice model. The applied grid resolution is 10, 5, and 2 km, and the applied yield curves are ellipse, modified Coulomb, and curved diamond. Numerical experiments are performed using steady and varying wind fields from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research reanalysis data, and the simulations are compared with the RADARSAT Geophysical Processor System‐derived ice motion data. We find that a sufficiently high grid resolution and an appropriate yield curve are two necessary factors to the successful modeling of LKFs. When the grid resolution is 10 km, only broad bands of LKFs are produced regardless of which yield curve is applied. Increasing the resolution to 2 km generally enhances the modeling of LKFs, although the improvement may differ remarkably depending on the different yield conditions. When the curved diamond yield curve is applied, LKFs may be very well reproduced. The simulated LKFs are more obscure when applying the modified Coulomb yield curve. When the elliptical yield curve is applied, increasing the grid resolution only induces slight improvement in the modeling of LKFs. Even with the 2 km grid resolution, the model still produces broad bands of LKFs.