Modeled and Observed Sea Ice Variability in the Arctic Sensitivity to Atmospheric Conditions and the Surface Energy Budget

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This project will attempt to quantify the effects of variations in the major ice-atmosphere energy budget terms on the arctic sea ice concentration and distribution. Observational studies have shown the existence of a variety of interrelationships between the atmosphere and the sea ice, but modeling studies are required to identify and quantify forcing mechanisms, directions of operation, and the sensitivity of the interactions to changes in the state of the ocean and the atmosphere. Specifically, this project will make use of a ten-year data set to construct forcing functions for a coupled sea ice-radiative transfer model. Sensitivity studies will be conducted to identify specific climatically interesting regions, to determine if intense short- term events affect the long-term sea ice state, and to define the overall limits of the arctic climate system.