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Regions of rapid sea ice change: An inter-hemispheric seasonal comparison

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 12:41 authored by Stammerjohn, S, Robert MassomRobert Massom, Rind, D, Martinson, D
This bi-polar analysis resolves ice edge changes on space/time scales relevant for investigating seasonal iceocean feedbacks and focuses on spatio-temporal changes in the timing of annual sea ice retreat and advance over 1979/ 80 to 2010/11. Where Arctic sea ice decrease is fastest, the sea ice retreat is now nearly 2 months earlier and subsequent advance more than 1 month later (compared to 1979/80), resulting in a 3-month longer summer ice-free season. In the Antarctic Peninsula and Bellingshausen Sea region, sea ice retreat is more than 1 month earlier and advance 2 months later, resulting in a more than 3-month longer summer icefree season. In contrast, in the western Ross Sea (Antarctica) region, sea ice retreat and advance are more than 1 month later and earlier respectively, resulting in a more than 2 month shorter summer ice-free season. Regardless of trend magnitude or direction, and at latitudes mostly poleward of 70 degree (N/S), there is strong correspondence between anomalies in the timings of sea ice retreat and subsequent advance, but little correspondence between advance and subsequent retreat. These results support a strong ocean thermal feedback in autumn in response to changes in spring sea ice retreat. Further, model calculations suggest different net ocean heat changes in the Arctic versus Antarctic where autumn sea ice advance is 1 versus 2 months later. Ocean-atmosphere changes, particularly in boreal spring and austral autumn (i.e., during ~March-May), are discussed and compared, as well as possible inter-hemispheric climate connections.

History

Publication title

Geophysical Research Letters

Volume

39

Issue

6

Article number

L06501

Number

L06501

Pagination

1-8

ISSN

0094-8276

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Amer Geophysical Union

Place of publication

2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009

Rights statement

Copyright 2012 American Geophysical Union

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

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