MODELS
Collecting data in the ice-covered high latitude oceans is difficult and expensive. One way in which we attempt to overcome a lack of data is by constructing numerical models of the ocean, and its interactions with the atmosphere and ice. The ability of a model to represent the real ocean and atmosphere is necessarily limited by the computational resources that are available at any time. However, recent advances in computer speed, plus improvements in our understanding of the physical processes that occur in polar oceans, have led to the models' ability to make useful predictions. The models described in the following links illustrate some of the potential for this approach to understanding polar oceanography.

• Advanced Arctic Ocean Model with Sea Ice
• Investigation of the ice-tide interaction in the Arctic Ocean
• Arctic Region Supercomputing Center
• European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)

At ESR, Laurie Padman and Susan Howard are using a barotropic tidal model to studies tides in the Weddell Sea.


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