Waves on the Arctic Ocean

Abstract

A continuous vertical oscillation of the ice of the Arctic Ocean has been observed at four U. S. drifting research stations. In the period range of 15 to 60 sec, the oscillations were detected with seismometers and gravity meters, and the displacement amplitudes were about ½ mm at 30 sec. Amplitudes increase roughly as the square of the period. These oscillations are, in part at least, generated by wind action. In one case, oscillations in this period range have been identified as propagating waves. Theoretical dispersion curves for propagating flexural-gravity waves are presented. Oscillations in the 10- to 100-min period range were detected with a tide recorder operating at a grounded ice station, T-3, on the continental shelf, 130 km northwest of Point Barrow, Alaska. Displacement amplitudes were about 1 cm at a period of 30 min and were roughly proportional to period. The Arctic Ocean wave spectrum contrasts with that of other oceans. The spectral peak due to sea and swell is absent, and the present data indicate a monotonic increase in displacement amplitude as the periods range from about 0.1 to 60 sec in deep water or from about 0.1 sec to 100 min on the continental shelf.