This project improves our understanding of how the atmosphere and ocean force sea ice dynamic and thermodynamic processes. Future changes in sea ice will be modeled based on this knowledge and the consequences of this change on various aspects of ecological and geochemical cycles operating across the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere interface will be examined. To accomplish this, the project intends to examine these interacting systems at a range of space and time scales, taking advantage of in situ experimentation (arctic field campaigns), mesocosm (laboratory) studies, and technology development. 1. Macro-scale – Examine the role of regional to hemispheric scale oceanic and atmospheric forces (in both space and time) on sea ice processes. 2. Micro-scale – Investigate exchange processes at the micro- to local-scale of mass and energy across the ocean-sea ice-atmosphere interface and examine the regional variability. 3. Community-Based Monitoring – Continue linking Western science and Inuit knowledge through community-based monitoring programs. 4. Technology – Develop tools to estimate state of the snow/sea ice system using microwave scattering and emission observations, and microwave scattering models and make these tools available to government and industry partners.

Link to ArcticNet and Isaaffik webpages.

PI: D.G. Barber