Selected topics in arctic atmosphere and climate

Abstract

This paper summarizes the main elements of four IPYprojects that examine the Arctic Atmosphere. All four projects focus on present conditions with a view to anticipating possible climate change. All four investigate the Arctic atmosphere, ocean, ice, and land interfacial surfaces. One project uses computer models to simulate the dynamics of the Arctic atmosphere, storms, and their interactions with the ocean and ice interface. Another project uses statistical methods to infer transports of pollutants as simulated in large-scale global atmospheric and oceanic models verifying results with available observations. A third project focuses on measurements of pollutants at the ice-ocean-atmosphere interface, with reference to model estimates. The fourth project is concerned with multiple, high accuracy measurements at Eureka in the Canadian Archipelago. While these projects are distinctly different, led by different teams and interdisciplinary collaborators, with different technical approaches and methodologies, and differing objectives, they all strive to understand the processes of the Arctic atmosphere and climate, and to lay the basis for projections of future changes. Key findings include:• Decreased sea ice leads to more intense storms, higher winds, reduced surface albedo, increased surface air temperature, and enhanced vertical mixing in the upper ocean. • Arctic warming may affect toxic chemicals by remobilizing persistent organic pollutants and augmenting mercury deposition/retention in the environment.• Changes in sea ice can dramatically change processes in and at the ice surface related to ozone, mercury and bromine oxide and related chemical/physical properties.• Structure and properties of the Arctic atmospheric-troposphere to stratosphere-and tracking of transport of pollution and smoke plumes from mid-latitudes to the poles.

The Detection, Genesis, and Modeling of Turbulence Intermittency in the Stable Atmospheric Surface Layer

“…Two field studies were undertaken in Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Alaska, to investigate atmospheric turbulence in the ASL. Observations from these two periods B09: OASIS 2009 (Staebler et al 2009;Perrie et al 2012;Bottenheim et al 2013), and B16: Photochemical Halogen and Ozone Exchange: a Meteorological Experiment on Layered Turbulence 2016 (PHOXMELT 2016;Ruiz-Plancarte et al 2016) are analyzed. Three-dimensional velocity and (sonic virtual) temperature measurements (u, y, w, and T s ≈ T y , where T y is the true virtual temperature) were recorded.…”

Climate change and Canada’s north coast: research trends, progress, and future directions

“…There is strong evidence that the frequency and intensity of storms in the Arctic is increasing (Akperov et al 2015;IPCC 2013). The positive correlation between the amount of open water and cyclone intensity in the Arctic suggests that storms will likely be larger and stronger as sea ice extent continues to decrease (Perrie et al 2012;Simmonds and Keay 2009). The consequence of more intense storms on coasts will be greatest in areas of significant fetch, such as the Beaufort Sea, and during seasons with less sea ice cover (Atkinson 2005;Lintern et al 2013;Manson et al 2005).…”

“…Continued support of scientific investigation from regional and national decision makers will also be essential for continued advancements. There is a continued need for support to foster information sharing between scientists and government agencies, creation of usable science, and funding for Arctic research stations and vessels, remote sensing equipment maintenance and deployment (monitoring buoys and satellites), as well as fostering information sharing among scientists and government agencies (Brunet et al 2014;Ford et al 2013a;Perrie et al 2012). Yet, as important as advancing our understanding of future change is, some degree of uncertainty will always characterize future projections, and better downscaling does not necessarily mean more accurate or robust information on likely changes.…”

Change and variability in sea ice during the 2007–2008 Canadian International Polar Year program

“…The significant reduction in sea ice extent and thickness already has important implications for northern coastal communities. An increase in storm surges resulting from the reduction in sea ice extent and duration in coastal regions has increased coastal erosion, precipitated the moving of human infrastructure and affected fishing and other harvesting activities (Perrie et al 2012). Changing seasonal sea ice extent and timing of freeze-up and breakup affect the safety and efficiency of transportation by residents and hunters in northern communities, and the food security of residents throughout the annual cycle.…”