Observation and parameterization of small icebergs: Drifting breakwaters in the southern ocean
The variability of small-size iceberg distributions is revealed from a novel analysis of satellite altimeter data. A strong annual cycle is modulated by pulse-like events confined to single ocean basins, with dense iceberg populations in the South Atlantic in 2004-2005, and in the South Pacific in 2...
| Published in: | Ocean Modelling |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2011
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00044/15535/13317.pdf https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocemod.2011.03.004 https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00044/15535/ |
| Summary: | The variability of small-size iceberg distributions is revealed from a novel analysis of satellite altimeter data. A strong annual cycle is modulated by pulse-like events confined to single ocean basins, with dense iceberg populations in the South Atlantic in 2004-2005, and in the South Pacific in 2008. Anomalies in sea surface temperatures of the order of 1 degrees C may be related to the iceberg distribution. Icebergs also appear very strongly associated with anomalies in the heights of ocean waves. A preliminary parameterization of wave blocking by icebergs significantly reduces wave model errors in the region south of 45 degrees South, and has a perceptible influence on all the west coasts of the Southern hemisphere. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. |
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