Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1831
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1831
03 Jun 2025
 | 03 Jun 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).

SWIIFT v0.10: a numerical model of wave-induced sea ice breakup based on an energy criterion

Nicolas Guillaume Alexandre Mokus, Véronique Dansereau, Guillaume Boutin, Jean-Pierre Auclair, and Alexandre Tlili

Abstract. The wave-induced breakup of sea ice contributes to the formation of the marginal ice zone in the polar oceans. Understanding how waves fragment the ice cover into individual ice floes is thus instrumental for accurate numerical simulations of the sea ice extent and its evolution, both for operational and climate research purposes. Yet, there is currently no consensus on the appropriate fracturing criterion, which should constitute the starting point of a physically sound wave–ice model. While fracture by waves is commonly treated within a hydroelastic framework and parameterised with a maximum strain-based criterion, in this study we explore a different, energy-based, approach to fracturing. We introduce SWIIFT (Surface Wave Impact on sea Ice—Fracture Toolkit), a one-dimensional model, based on linear plate theory, into which we incorporate this energy fracture criterion. We demonstrate it with simple simulations that reproduce existing laboratory wave-induced breaking experiments of an analogue material, allowing qualitative comparisons. We find that under some wave conditions, identified by a dimensionless wavenumber, corresponding to in situ or laboratory wave-induced fracture, the model does not predict fracture at constant curvature, thereby calling into question a maximum strain criterion.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Nicolas Guillaume Alexandre Mokus, Véronique Dansereau, Guillaume Boutin, Jean-Pierre Auclair, and Alexandre Tlili

Status: open (until 13 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1831', Anonymous Referee #1, 03 Jul 2025 reply
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Nicolas Mokus, 12 Sep 2025 reply
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1831', Anonymous Referee #2, 01 Oct 2025 reply
  • RC3: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1831', Anonymous Referee #3, 06 Oct 2025 reply
Nicolas Guillaume Alexandre Mokus, Véronique Dansereau, Guillaume Boutin, Jean-Pierre Auclair, and Alexandre Tlili

Data sets

Fracture threshold, stationary waves Nicolas G. A. Mokus https://github.com/sasip-climate/ff1d-ftsw-pub/tree/v1.0.1

Model code and software

SWIIFT Nicolas G. A. Mokus https://github.com/sasip-climate/swiift

Interactive computing environment

Fracture threshold, stationary waves, ICE Nicolas G. A. Mokus https://github.com/sasip-climate/ff1d-ftsw-pub-ice

Nicolas Guillaume Alexandre Mokus, Véronique Dansereau, Guillaume Boutin, Jean-Pierre Auclair, and Alexandre Tlili

Viewed

Total article views: 1,917 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
1,829 72 16 1,917 24 36
  • HTML: 1,829
  • PDF: 72
  • XML: 16
  • Total: 1,917
  • BibTeX: 24
  • EndNote: 36
Views and downloads (calculated since 03 Jun 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 03 Jun 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 1,889 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 1,889 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 08 Oct 2025
Download
Short summary
Arctic sea ice recedes and it is more exposed to waves. Waves can then fracture continuous pack ice into floes, which are more mobile and easier to melt. The fracture process itself is not well understood, because of harsh field conditions. We propose a novel sea ice fracture criterion incorporated into a numerical model that simulates wave propagation. This criterion can be compared to existing ones. We relate our results to laboratory experiments, and find qualitative agreement.
Share