Advancing Modelling and Observing solar Radiation of Arctic sea-ice -- understanding changes and processes

This project is designed to (i) improve the quantification of the surface energy balance of the ice covered Arctic Ocean, and (ii) increase the understanding of mechanisms leading to observed changes. The project will combine autonomous observations from drifting buoys, manned in-situ observations, and numerical studies to create a new knowledge base on seasonal and spatial variability of snow and sea-ice processes related to solar radiation fluxes. In addition to advances in climate research, the project will focus on knowledge transfer among all partners, includes common field work and cultural exchange, and has its own outreach activities. A new measurement system will be developed for autonomous observations of spectral radiation (Spectral Radiation B uoy, SRB). The new SRB will be based on an approved sensor system and will be deployed together with an Ice Mass-balance Buoy (IMB). Continuous and all-year measurements of energy and mass balance of drifting sea ice will be received via satellite communi cation in real-time. All processed data will be integrated into other monitoring programs (e.g. International Arctic Buoy Program, IABP). SRB and IMB data will be available for numerical studies and remote sensing applications via an online data base. The high resolution thermodynamic snow/ice model HIGHTSI will be improved by new schemes for penetration of solar radiation within snow and ice. The numerical studies are aiming for more accurate description of thermodynamic snow and sea-ice processes and th eir spatial distributions in the Arctic. The project will be lead by an early career scientist at NPI. The project leader was involved in different international cooperation projects and will be supported by more experienced senior scientists.