A note on chimney formation in ice edge regions

This paper investigates a coupled mesoscale ice-ocean system forced by winds and cooling, leading to the phenomenon of 'chimney' formation (i.e., the formation of a rapid deepening of the mixed layer due to a strong surface heat loss) in ice-edge regions. A numerical model, based on Hakkinen's (1987) coupled dynamic-thermodynamic model of an ice-ocean system, was used that included, in addition to wind stirring, the entrainment parameterization. The results are for the most part similar to the results of Hakkinen, indicating the overwhelming relevance of wind mixing, with penetrative convection having additional effects. The model calculations show that the area affected by ice edge upwelling is most prone to entrainment; the convectively induced entrainment is necessary for the production of a chimney.