Abstract
Abstract
A significant reduction of the Arctic sea ice extent enhances the sea waves activity in the Arctic Ocean. In this paper we analyze characteristics of wind waves activity in the Arctic basin using the WAVEWATCH III model simulations forced by wind and sea ice fields derived from the CMIP5 global climate models under different scenarios. A relative contribution of wind seas and swells to the total sea waves activity in the Arctic basin from model simulations is assessed and compared to that based on reanalysis data and satellite observations. Possible changes of sea waves characteristics from model simulations for the 21st century with anthropogenic scenarios are estimated. Regional estimates of various states of sea waves (such as wind seas, swells and their interaction, chop-like events) are performed, in particular for the Atlantic sector of the Arctic basin.