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Bistability in Radiatively Heated Melt Ponds.
Rui Yang1, Christopher J Howland1, Hao-Ran Liu2
1Physics of Fluids Group and Max Planck Center for Complex Fluid Dynamics, and J. M. Burgers Centre for Fluid Dynamics, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Physical Review Letters
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Melt pond dynamics exhibit bistability, transitioning abruptly between frozen and liquid states due to solar radiation. This tipping point, predictable by a heat flux model, impacts Earth's heat balance.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Climate Science
- Fluid Dynamics
Background:
- Melting and solidification are crucial in geophysical processes, notably melt pond formation on ice surfaces.
- Melt ponds significantly reduce Earth's albedo, impacting the planet's heat balance.
- These processes are driven by solar radiation and involve complex convective flows.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of melt pond formation and evolution.
- To identify and analyze bistability phenomena in melt pond systems.
- To understand the interplay between radiation, convection, and phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Direct numerical simulations were employed to model melt pond behavior.
- Theoretical analysis was used to understand the underlying physical mechanisms.
- A heat flux balance model was developed and validated.
Main Results:
- A bistability phenomenon was discovered in melt pond dynamics.
- An abrupt transition (tipping point) was observed between stable frozen and distinct melt pond states.
- The heat flux balance model accurately predicted bulk temperature and flow strength, aligning with numerical results.
Conclusions:
- Melt pond dynamics are characterized by a tipping point leading to bistable equilibrium states.
- The heat flux balance model provides a robust framework for understanding these transitions.
- The study offers insights into coupled phase transitions, turbulent flows, and radiation-driven processes in geophysical systems.
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