The Mixed Layer Under Sea Ice


How to run the MATLAB routines:

1. In your system (UNIX or WINDOWS), download the corresponding matlab routines for the event (winter and/or summer) you want to study.
If your browser displays the files rather than downloading them when you click on them, try holding down the SHIFT key while clicking on the MATLAB files.

2. Untar the file you downloaded: tar xf filename

3. Go into the directory that is created (either November_3_1997 or July_27_1998) and start matlab.

4. In the matlab command window type: " run_model ". This will start the execution of the mixed layer model.

  • First, you will be asked for a Run name. Type, say, " expt1 " (this stands for experiment 1). It will be useful to differentiate between all the experiments you will run.
  • A figure window pops up that shows the profiles of temperature and salinity for that time of year in the SHEBA experiment.
  • In the command window you are asked to choose type of thermal forcing. Do so as you wish. In the figure window you can see the surface shortwave flux time series.
  • In the command window you are asked to choose type of wind forcing you want and in the figure window the x and y directions of the wind forcing you chose are shown.
  • Finally, in the command window you are told what the realistic thickness of ice is at this time of year and you are asked to choose what thickness you would like to impose.
  • After the model run is finished, the figure window displays the temperature and salinity profile evolution in time. Also, it shows the vertical profiles of T and S at the start and end of the model run.
  • 5. Re-run the model as many times as you wish with different combinations of forcing to be able to determine how different forcing affects the mixed layer evolution.

    6. Try running the model for the Summer event, repeating steps 1-5.


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