Low‐Frequency Wave Activity in the Ocean—Ross Ice Shelf—Atmosphere System.

The main subject of this study is the low‐frequency (with the periods longer than 2 hr) wave processes in the coupled regional system of the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS), the Ross Sea and the atmosphere above them. We investigate possible causal relationships between the wave activity in the three media using a unique set of geophysical instruments: a hydrophone measuring pressure variations on the seafloor, a network of seismometers measuring vertical displacements of the RIS surface, and a Dynasonde system measuring wave characteristics at the ionospheric altitudes. We present an extension of the previously introduced theoretical model of the coupled resonance vibrations of the RIS that quantifies the connection between the ocean tide and the resonance vibrations of the RIS. The ocean tide is confirmed as the most significant source of excitation of the resonances. Analysis of average power spectra in year‐long data sets reveals multiple harmonics of the tide (eight) detected by the RIS seismometers while only three are detected by the seafloor sensor. This may represent a confirmation of the effect of resonance‐related broadband amplification predicted by the model. Several peaks in the spectrum of RIS vibrations have periods different from the periods of nearby tidal constituents and may be associated with broad‐scale resonance RIS vibrations. Resonances may play a role in maintaining the coupled atmosphere‐ocean wave activity. Our results reveal a statistically significant correlation between the spectra of the vertical displacements of the RIS and the spectra of the atmospheric waves. Plain Language Summary: This study explores how low‐frequency waves interact in the Ross Ice Shelf, the Ross Sea, and the atmosphere above them. By using a unique set of tools like hydrophones, seismometers, and a Dynasonde system, the researchers investigate the connection between waves in these three areas. They expand on a previous theoretical model, confirming that ocean tides are the main source of these interactions. The study finds that the ice shelf picks up more tidal harmonics than the seafloor sensor, which might support the idea of resonance‐related amplification. Additionally, some vibrations in the ice shelf have different periods than nearby tidal movements, which could be due to broad‐scale resonance vibrations. These resonances might play a role in maintaining the overall wave activity in the atmosphere and ocean. The research shows a significant correlation between the ice shelf's vertical movements and the atmospheric waves. Key Points: Ocean tides represent a major source of energy for exciting resonance vibrations of the Ross Ice Shelf (RIS)There is an empirical evidence for resonance‐related amplification effect predicted by the theory of forced ice shelf vibrationsSpectral correlation results confirm existence of the wave coupling above the noise level between atmosphere, ocean and the RIS [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]