As part of the CONCEPTS (Canadian Operational Network of CoupledEnvironmental PredicTion Systems) initiative, a high-resolution(1/12°) ice–ocean regional model is developed covering the NorthAtlantic and the Arctic oceans. The long-term objective is to provide Canadawith short-term ice–ocean predictions and hazard warnings in ice-infestedregions. To evaluate the modelling component (as opposed to the analysis –or data-assimilation – component, which is not covered in thiscontribution), a series of hindcasts for the period 2003–2009 is carriedout, forced at the surface by the Canadian GDPS reforecasts (Smith et al., 2014). Thesehindcasts test how the model represents upper ocean characteristics and icecover. Each hindcast implements a new aspect of the modelling or theice–ocean coupling. Notably, the coupling to the multi-category ice modelCICE is tested. The hindcast solutions are then assessed using a verificationpackage under development, including in situ and satellite ice and oceanobservations. The conclusions are as follows: (1) the model reproduces reasonably wellthe time mean, variance and skewness of sea surface height; (2) the modelbiases in temperature and salinity show that while the mean properties followexpectations, the Pacific Water signature in the Beaufort Sea is weaker thanobserved; (3) the modelled freshwater content of the Arctic agreeswell with observational estimates; (4) the distribution and volume of the seaice are shown to be improved in the latest hindcast due to modifications tothe drag coefficients and to some degree to the ice thickness distributionavailable in CICE; (5) nonetheless, the model still overestimates theice drift and ice thickness in the Beaufort Gyre.
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