A dissipative nonlinear Schrödinger model for wave propagation in the marginal ice zone

Abstract

Sea ice attenuates waves propagating from the open ocean. Here, we model the evolution of energetic unidirectional random waves in the marginal ice zone with a nonlinear Schrödinger equation, with a frequency dependent dissipative term consistent with current model paradigms and recent field observations. The preferential dissipation of high frequency components results in a concurrent downshift of the spectral peak that leads to a less than exponential energy decay, but at a lower rate compared to a corresponding linear model. Attenuation and downshift contrast nonlinearity and nonlinear wave statistics at the edge tend to Gaussianity farther into the marginal ice zone.