Surface and boundary layer processes over the Arctic Ocean: Results from the Arctic Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ARCMIP)

The Arctic Regional Climate Model Intercomparison Project (ARCMIP) aims to improve the simulation of the Arctic regional climate in numerical models. One focus of ARCMIP is on surface and boundary layer processes. Using model output from the regional climate models ARCSyM and HIRHAM, and detailed field observations from SHEBA we evaluate the simulation of the surface energy budget and the resulting boundary layer structures. Results from the offline Surface Layer Model Intercomparison Project will be utilized to understand the source of differences between the ARCSyM and HIRHAM simulations. Local boundary layer features will be linked to larger scale circulation features using the technique of self organizing maps.