CLEAN ARCTIC: GOCE AND ALTIMETRY FOR OCEAN CIRCULATION AND POLLUTION MANAGEMENT IN THE ARCTIC

The objective of the work proposed is to develop and validate a new method to compute Absolute Dynamic Topography (ADT) in the Arctic Ocean. This product will be devoted to clean ocean applications: First, the ADT will be assimilated in the CCMEP Regional Ice Ocean Prediction System (RIOPS). RIOPS is used operationally to provide numerical guidance for a variety of applications such as: search and rescue, oil spill response efforts, maritime situation awareness and maritime safety (e.g. ice hazards). The impact for oil spill management will be analysed in collaboration with the Canadian Environmental Emergency Response Section. Then, the improved outputs of RIOPS (surface currents and 3D temperature and salinity field) will be used in a model of microplastic dispersion. This will provide a map of microplastic distribution in the Arctic and thus the identification of pollution risk areas and the potential for attribution (namely, the determination of most likely plastic pollution sources).