A geospatial analysis of Arctic marine traffic ...

• Main Author: Eucker, William
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository 2012
• Subjects: Arctic; Arctic Ocean; Sea ice
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.17863/cam.16315; https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/248854

Recent changes in Arctic Ocean climate dynamics and marine activity in the region require re-evaluation of physical operating conditions, ship traffic patterns, and policy requirements. This study used (1) government surveys, (2) vessel reports, and (3) Automatic Identification System (AIS) messages to characterize the spatial and temporal variability of surface vessel traffic in relation to various sea-ice conditions on the Arctic Ocean during a year-long study from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Data sources, methods of analysis, and errors were discussed. Three principal topics were examined. First, sea-ice cover on the Arctic Ocean was analysed to determine the physical access for marine operations. Daily sea-ice concentration data based on satellite passive microwave measurements were used to calculate the extent of open water and duration of the sea-ice season. Second, ship traffic on the Arctic Ocean was analysed to determine the present patterns of human activity. Time-stamped AIS messages encoded ...