The Arctic Ocean Record PDF Download

An experiment to investigate the directional nature and the possible generation mechanisms for waves on the Arctic Ocean, an ocean almost entirely covered with sea ice, is described. The waves under consideration have periods between 10 and 100 seconds and amplitudes between 0.001 and 2.0 centimeters. In the present work an array of two continuously recording gravimeters 1,240 meters apart was established at drift station ARLIS II. Observed waves with distinct periods were associated with a storm over Siberia. A continuously recording microbarograph sensitive to atmospheric micropressure oscillations in the 10- to 100-second period range was also installed at ARLIS II. Distinct oscillations were observed in this period range having amplitude of from 20 to 400 dynes/sq cm. Power spectra of micropressure records made before, during, and after a storm show that oscillation amplitude is proportional to the period of the oscillation and speed of local winds. Cross correlation between the micropressure records and wave records taken with a gravimeter at the same location as the microbarograph shows a positive correlation between the micropressure waves and the ocean waves. This correlation appears to vary with the direction of the local surface wind. These micropressure waves contained sufficient force to bend the ice and generate the observed water waves. (Author).