Evaluation of the relative contribution of meteorological and oceanic forces to the drift of ice islands offshore Newfoundland

• DOI: 10.1017/jog.2019.96
• Publication Date: 2020-01-10T09:34:11Z
• Authors: Reza Zeinali Torbati; Ian D. Turnbull; Rocky S. Taylor; Derek Mueller
• Keywords: Lead (geology); Fast ice

Abstract On 29 April 2015, four beacons were deployed onto an ice island in the Strait of Belle Isle to record positional data. The later broke up into many fragments, which tracked by beacons. relative influences wind drag, current Coriolis force, sea surface height gradient and sea-ice force on drift fragments analyzed. Using atmospheric oceanic model outputs, was calculated as residual fragments' net forces sum all other forces. This compared against obtained through concentration-dependent relationships when present. from approach significant only present at medium-high concentrations vicinity fragments. ocean currents tilt contributed most Wind, however, played a minimal role total governing drifting higher speeds.