On Developing a Continuum Model for Wave Propagation in Ice Covered Seas

Due to the retreat of sea ice coverage in the Arctic Ocean, increasing wave intensity is becoming a significant concern for coastal erosion and offshore operations. In order to better assist environmental protection and human activities in the Arctic, a predictive model is needed for wave conditions in the ice-covered seas. Recently, a continuum viscoelastic model has been developed to describe the wave propagation characteristics in all types of ice cover. However, this model is not ready to be integrated into wave models until sufficient validation and parameterization is completed. In this paper, theoretical results are presented to demonstrate the complexity of the problem. Additional study needed to complete the theoretical model is discussed. A conceptual experiment is described as a validation and parameterization plan.