Sea Ice Dynamics Models

Four sea ice dynamics models (elastic-plastic, viscous-plastic, elastic-viscousplastic, and anisotropic elastic-plastic) are reviewed, with the goal of introducing common terminology and notation. Thickness distribution is used to describe ice conditions, which are also approximated by a two-layer model and generalized by an oriented thickness distribution. Strength is parameterized by equating work dissipated by gravitational potential energy changes and by frictional sliding of the ice sheet into the sail and keel of a ridge. Numerical schemes now used to integrate the models are briefly described. Scaling of external forces is discussed.