Experiments on wave propagation in grease ice: combined wave gauges and particle image velocimetry measurements

Abstract

Water wave attenuation by grease ice is a key mechanism for the polar regions, as waves in ice influence many phenomena such as ice drift, ice breaking and ice formation. However, the models presented so far in the literature are limited in a number of regards, and more insights are required from either laboratory experiments or fieldwork for these models to be validated and improved. Unfortunately, performing detailed measurements of wave propagation in grease ice, either in the field or in the laboratory, is challenging. As a consequence, laboratory data are relatively scarce, and often consist of only a couple of wave elevation measurements along the length of the wave tank. We present combined measurements of wave elevation using an array of ultrasonic probes, and water kinematics using particle image velocimetry (PIV), in a small-scale wave tank experiment. Experiments are performed over a wider frequency range than has been previously investigated. The wave elevation measurements are used to compute the wavenumber and exponential damping coefficient. In contrast to a previous study in grease ice, we find that the wavenumber is consistent with the mass loading model, i.e. it increases compared with the open water case. Wave attenuation is compared with a series of one-layer models, and we show that they satisfactorily describe the viscous damping occurring. PIV data are also consistent with exponential wave amplitude attenuation, and a proper orthogonal decomposition analysis reveals the existence of mean flows under the ice that are a consequence of the displacement and packing of the ice induced by the gradient in the wave-induced stress. Finally, we show that the dynamics of grease ice can generate eddy structures that inject eddy viscosity into the water under the grease ice, which would lead to enhanced mixing and participating in energy dissipation.