Application of A.M. Obukhov’s theory of correlation of vectors for scientific research and engineering calculations of ice drift in the Arctic Ocean.

Abstract

The theory of vectors correlation of Obukhov was used to describe an ice drift in the Arctic Ocean. The main features are defined by an area. The tracks tortuosity in Beaufort Gyre and Transarctic current varies threefold: 1.5 and 4.5. Year to year and seasonal variations indicate the position of the Beaufort Gyre and the speed of the Transarctic drift. The average speed does not exceed 10 cm/s. The drift increases in summer, and in winter it intensifies in Fram Strait. In Fram Strait the velocity month–over–month increases from June to December–March from 2.5 to 6.5 cm/s. Overall correlation drift and wind is 0.95 and 0.85 for ice fields and icebergs. The non-wind drift reproduces the cyclonic circulation between Frantz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya. The wind drift specifies the coefficients and angles of drift evasion from the wind. The coefficient for total drift is 0.14–0.18, fore wind drift 0.10–0.15, and the angles are 15–30° and 10–15° in the Barents Sea. In the Fram Strait the drift and wind directions are stable, the trend considers the modulus and direction. The drift trend has the direction towards the south. It decreases to 5 % of variance in June and increases to 15% from December to March.