Models within the sea-ice group
As part of our model-related activities, members of the sea-ice research group are actively involved in the development of advanced sea- ice models for coupled Earth system models.
Currently, we focus in particular on a better representation of the interior structure of sea ice in models (Philipp Griewank), a better understanding of sea-ice dynamics on triangular grids (Einar Orn Olason), and on a more realistic implementation of ice-ocean heat exchange (Xiaoxu Shi, Nils Fischer).
In addition, we use the Max Planck Earth System Model to better understand the simulated behavior of sea ice. In particular, we focus on the stability and predictability of future Arctic sea ice evolution (Steffen Tietsche).
Individual Activities
Nils Fischer (Research Scientist, joint with Director's Research Group)
Nils Fischer works primarily on coordinating our institutes CMIP5 activities. In addition, he analyzes the heat exchange between the ocean and the sea ice.
Philipp Griewank (PhD student)
Philipp Griewank develops a new thermo-halo-dynamic sea-ice model. The model simulates the evolution of the phase fraction of solid ice, liquid brine and gas inclusions from first principles. Brine dynamics is modeled through a combination of gravity drainage and Darcy's flow. The model is an ideal testbed to examine details of flooding, flushing, spring drainage and salt release after initial ice formation, for example.
Alexander Haumann (Research Scientist)
Alexander Haumann analyses the modelled evolution of Antarctic sea ice. A particular focus of his works lies in the interaction of the atmosphere circulation with Antarctic sea ice, and more specifically in the impact of the ozone hole. This work is carried out in collaboration with the working group "Middle and Upper Atmosphere".
Dirk Notz (Research Scientist; Group Leader)
Dirk Notz works on general aspects of the interaction of sea ice with the Earth's climate system. Currently, he examines if the observational record of Arctic sea ice allows us to attribute the observed sea-ice retreat to anthropogenic activities. In addition, he analysis climate-model simulations, works on the multi-phase physics of sea ice and coordinates the group's activities.
Einar Olason (Research Scientist)
Einar Olason works on a better understanding of sea-ice dynamics on triangular grids. He is actively involved in the development of a new sea-ice model for our institute's new Earth System Model ICON.
Achim Randelhoff (Student Assistant)
Achim Randelhoff assists in the analysis of model results and the development of a new sea-ice model component for ICON. He currently works on an analysis of the seasonal-prediction runs of the institute's CMIP5-activities.
Xiaoxu Shi (Master student)
Xiaoxu Shi works towards a better understanding of the interaction between sea ice and the ocean. In particular, she examines the impact of different formulations for the ice-ocean heat flux in coupled climate models.
Steffen Tietsche (PhD student, joint with Director's Research Group)
Steffen Tietsche works on a better understanding of the stability and predictability of Arctic sea ice. He has shown that Arctic sea-ice can recover rapidly from extreme loss events. In his work on predictability of Arctic sea ice, he has been developing a new technique to nudge Arctic sea-ice observations into coupled climate models. Currently, he uses the MPI CMIP5 model to investigate the predictability of extreme Arctic sea-ice anomalies in 21st-century climate.
Individual activities (Former group members)
Kay Hübner (Research Scientist)
Kay Hübner studied the impact of snow on sea-ice evolution. He found that some of the recovery of sea ice after extreme loss events is related to the fact that more snow falls into open water, reducing the insulating snow layer on top of the ice. In addition, Kay worked on the representation of sea ice as a dynamics system.
Karl-Hermann Wieners (Scientific Programmer)
Karl-Hermann Wieners develops an infrastructure for an improved integration of sea-ice models into Earth System models. Even though he has officially left our group, he still works at MPI and continues contributing to the group's progress.
Nina Wilkens (Master Student)
Nina Wilkens analysed different formulations of sea-ice thermodynamics in one-dimensional models. In particular, she focussed on the sensitivity of such different formulations with respect to an increasing long-wave forcing.