ArcTiCA: Arctic tidal constituents atlas

Area of Science:

• Oceanography
• Arctic Research
• Geophysics

Background:

• Tidal influences on Arctic Ocean circulation, mixing, and sea ice dynamics are significant.
• Existing in situ tidal data in the Arctic is sparse, limiting model accuracy.
• Satellite altimetry for tidal coefficient retrieval is challenged by sea ice and high latitudes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive dataset of Arctic tidal constituents.
• To improve the validation and assimilation of ocean tide models in the Arctic.
• To facilitate a better understanding of Arctic tidal variability.

Main Methods:

• Combined analysis of in situ measurements from tide gauges, ocean bottom pressure sensors, and GNSS interferometric reflectometry.
• Quality assessment of each measurement site.
• Comparison of the new dataset with recent ocean tide models.

Main Results:

• A new dataset with 914 measurement sites above 60°N and 399 above 70°N was generated.
• The dataset provides quality-assessed tidal constituents for the Arctic region.
• Initial comparisons with recent tide models were performed.

Conclusions:

• The new dataset substantially increases Arctic in situ tidal data availability.
• This resource is vital for enhancing the accuracy of Arctic ocean tide models.
• Further research can leverage this dataset to explore Arctic tidal dynamics and their impacts.