SIPEX Waves in Ice Observations

Using the Australian icebreaker RV Aurora Australis, the second Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystems experiment (SIPEX-2) was conducted in the area between 115–125°E and 62–66°S off East Antarctica during September to November 2012. The 2012 voyage combined traditional and newly developed sampling methods with satellite and other data to measure sea-ice physical properties and processes on large scales, which provided context for bio geochemical and ecological case studies.

The aim of this project during SIPEX-2 was to observe waves in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). Eight custom made wave sensors were built for the task. The sensors were deployed in the Antarctic MIZ along a north - south transect spread over 200 km. Every three hours, the sensors simultaneously woke and recorded a burst of wave acceleration data. Each sensor performed on-board data quality control and spectral analysis.The wave spectrum was returned via satellite. Ship based operations were funded through the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD). NZ’s National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) funded the design and manufacturing of the instruments. The preparation and research pre voyage was funded by NZ’s Foundation for research, science and technology and the analysis of the observations was funded by NZ’s Marsden fund. The instruments were manufactured by P.A.S consultants, Melbourne, Australia.