Polar boundary layer processes: Important factors for investigating biogeochemistry and climate

Abstract

Ice at the Interface: Atmosphere‐Ice‐Ocean Boundary Layer Processes and Their Role in Polar Change; Boulder, Colorado, 25–27 June 2012 The atmosphere‐ocean boundary layer in which sea ice resides includes many complex physical processes requiring a more realistic treatment in climate models, particularly as models incorporate biogeochemical feedback mechanisms such as aerosol effects on clouds. The primary purpose of a workshop recently held at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's David Skaggs Research Center was to define and discuss such coupled processes. Several scientific themes crucial for biogeochemical cycling emerged from the workshop, such as the importance of episodic events, precipitation, stratification, and the marginal ice zone.