On the Sea-Ice Regime of the Ross Sea, Antarctica

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Authors: Sturman, Andrew P., Anderson, Mark R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1986
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarctic Peninsula; Ross Sea; Weddell; Antarc*; Antarctica; Journal of Glaciology; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000006870; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000006870

Abstract A study is made of the sea-ice regime of the Ross Sea, Antarctica, using ESMR passive microwave data and supporting information. Inferences are made of the processes responsible for observed spatial and temporal sea-ice variations. Air flow appears to have a dominant influence on sea-ice distribution and movement, with oceanic circulation playing a more minor role. This is particularly so with coastal polynya development, where katabatic winds are important. It has been possible to identify broad areas of ice convergence and divergence by assimilating the rather limited oceanic and atmospheric information with observed sea-ice variations. In spite of some basic physical similarities of the Weddell and Ross Seas, it is apparent that the major differences in their sea-ice regimes are due to the differing roles of oceanic and atmospheric circulation in each area. The Antarctic Peninsula plays a key role in these differences. Suggestions for further research are also considered.