High‐Resolution Fracture Dynamics Simulation of Pack‐Ice and Drift‐Ice Formation During Sea Ice Break up Events Using the HiDEM2.0 Code

Creating accurate predictive models for drift and pack ice is crucial for a wide array of applications, from improving maritime operations to improving weather prediction and climate simulations. Traditional large‐scale sea ice dynamics models rely on phenomenological ice rheology to simulate ice movements. These models are efficient on large scales but struggle to depict smaller‐scale ice features. In our study, we use a new version of the HiDEM discrete element model software to examine the formation of drift and pack ice under various stress conditions. Our findings show that high‐resolution size distributions of ice floes are universal and multimodal, and that compression ridges form three distinct zones. Reproducing complex characteristics of this nature in a standard rheology model is challenging, suggesting that a combination of models may be necessary for more precise predictions of sea ice dynamics. We propose a potential hybrid algorithm that integrates these approaches. Plain Language Summary Sea ice forms in cold climates and is susceptible to being easily fragmented by wind and currents, resulting in a dynamic landscape comprising solid fast ice, drift ice and pack ice. Pack ice, in particular, can pose challenges such as hindering shipping, causing damage to offshore structures, and complicating traditional fishing and hunting activities. Operational models for sea ice dynamics are currently utilized to optimize ship routes and the deployment of icebreakers. Although existing rheology‐based models perform well on large scales, they encounter difficulties in capturing the finer details that are often crucial. In this study, we utilize a high‐resolution Discrete Element Model computer code that is capable of simulating detailed sea ice dynamics at scales ranging from meters to kilometers. Our simulation results reveal insights that are not readily obtained from conventional large‐scale models, and we explore the potential for integrating these two approaches to create a hybrid model. Key Points Ultra high‐definition simulation (0.5 m elements) of sea ice fragmentation on a square kilometer scale The HiDEM model captures in fine detail the formations of leads, pressure ridge networks, and floe‐size distributions The model reveals features that cannot be reproduced by rheological models, suggesting a hybrid method for prediction