Mesoscale Oceanographic Processes Beneath the Ice of Fram Strait

Abstract

A major component of the Fram Strait Marginal Ice Zone Experiment was the investigation of air-sea-ice interactions, processes, and circulation patterns found behind the local ice edge and on scales greater than 10 kilometers (mesoscale and large scale). Neutrally buoyant floats, ice-tethered cyclesondes, and helicopter-based measurements were used to obtain uniquely integrated and consistent views of the mesoscale ocean features beneath the ice cover of Fram Strait. Within the vicinity of the Yermak Plateau, three distinct regions of mesoscale motion were observed that coincided with the shallow topography of the plateau, the northward flowing Atlantic water over the western flank of the plateau, and the strong current-shear zone of the East Greenland Polar Front. A subice meander of the front was also observed, which was probably occluded subsequently.