Waves-in-Ice Forecasting for Arctic Operators (WIFAR)

The project will be implemented over four years through 6 workpackages: WP1: Development and validation of a wave-in-ice model based on theory by V. Squire's group in New Zealand. The model will be implemented for use in compbination with an operational ice-ocean model developed at NERSC, first as a heuristic, then as coupled model. WP2: Operational ice-ocean model development with a new MIZ ice rheology aiming to provide improved forecasts of ice edge, concentration, thickness and drift. WP3: Planning and implementation of three field experiments in the Fram Strait and Barents Sea MIZ using ice-going vessel. Data on waves and sea ice parameters in the MIZ will be collected and analysed in order to establish new knowledge of waves in ice and provide va lidation data for the models in WP1 and WP2. WP4: Development and testing of coupled waves-ice-ocean model, based on results from WP1, WP2 and WP3. This coupled model system is planned to be used by offshore operators working in the MIZ in order to predi ct hazardous conditions and avoid dangerous situations. WP5: Synthesize of results from WP1-WP4, including assessment of the results by consulting offshore companies who will be the users of the modelling system in the future. The assessment will addres s how the modelling system can be used to estimate forcing on vessels and installations in the MIZ. Furthermore, a plan for implementation of an integrated observation and forecasting system for ice-wave-ocean conditions in the marginal ice zone will be prepared, based on the assessment of the project results. The project will be implemented by a consortium consisting of a Norwegian research institute (NERSC) which will be project leader,, a university institution from New Zealand (UofO), a research in stitute from New Zealand (NIWA), and an oil & gas company TOTAL E&P. There will be two postdoc positions in the project.