Synoptic-scale feedbacks between the atmosphere and cryosphere based upon Q-vector diagnostics: a case study of the Beaufort Sea

Q-vectors are a diagnostic of a geostrophic development within a synoptic system. Isentropic potential vorticity is a measure of the source of energy for development. When time series of these diagnostics are related to similar series of surface sea ice and snow cover at various lag correlations, insight into the feedbacks between the atmosphere and cryosphere may be possible. In this study the authors examine the Q-vectors and isentropic potential vorticity derived from NCEP analysis over the Beaufort Sea and sea ice concentrations from SSM/I microwave data for spring of 1989, an acknowledged “warm” year. Process linkages are examined for specific synoptic modes to determine a procedure to identify possible forcing and response