Recent changes in the exchange of sea ice between the Arctic Ocean and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago

2013 ◽  
Vol 118 (7) ◽  
pp. 3595-3607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen E. L. Howell ◽  
Trudy Wohlleben ◽  
Mohammed Dabboor ◽  
Chris Derksen ◽  
Alexander Komarov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
The Arctic Ocean

scholarly journals Regional variability of acidification in the Arctic: a sea of contrasts

2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 2937-2965 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. Popova ◽  
A. Yool ◽  
A. C. Coward ◽  
T. R. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Atmospheric Co2 ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
Climate Feedbacks ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
The Arctic Ocean

Abstract. The Arctic Ocean is a region that is particularly vulnerable to the impact of ocean acidification driven by rising atmospheric CO2, negatively impacting calcifying organisms such as coccolithophorids and foraminiferans. In this study, we use an ocean general circulation model, with embedded biogeochemistry and a full description of the carbon cycle, to study the response of pH and saturation states of calcite and aragonite to changing climate in the Arctic Ocean. Particular attention is paid to the strong regional variability within the Arctic and, for comparison, simulation results are contrasted with those for the global ocean. Simulations were run to year 2099 using the RCP 8.5 (the highest IPCC AR5 CO2 emission scenario). The separate impacts of the direct increase in atmospheric CO2 and indirect effects via climate feedbacks (changing temperature, stratification, primary production and fresh water fluxes) were examined by undertaking two simulations, one with the full system and the other in which ocean-atmosphera exchange of CO2 was prevented from increasing beyond the flux calculated for year 2000. Results indicate that climate feedbacks, and spatial heterogeneity thereof, play a strong role in the declines in pH and carbonate saturation (Ω) seen in the Arctic. The central Arctic, Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Baffin Bay show greatest rates of acidification and Ω decline as a result of melting sea ice. In contrast, areas affected by Atlantic inflow including the Greenland Sea and outer shelves of the Barents, Kara and Laptev seas, had minimal decreases in pH and Ω because weakening stratification associated with diminishing ice cover led to greater mixing and primary production. As a consequence, the predicted onset of undersaturation is highly variable regionally within the Arctic, occurring during the decade of 2000–2010 in the Siberian shelves and Canadian Arctic Archipelago, but as late as the 2080s in the Barents and Norwegian Seas. We conclude that, in order to make future projections of acidification and carbon saturation state in the Arctic, regional variability needs to be adequately resolved, with particular emphasis on reliable predictions of the rates of retreat of the sea-ice which are a major source of uncertainty.

Increased Arctic Ocean sea ice loss through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago under a warmer climate

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Howell ◽  
Mike Brady
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Open Water ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
Nares Strait ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
Important Pathway

<p>The ice arches that ring the northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago have historically blocked the inflow of Arctic Ocean sea ice for the majority of the year. However, annual average air temperature in northern Canada has increased by more than 2°C over the past 65+ years and a warmer climate is expected to contribute to the deterioration of these ice arches, which in turn has implications for the overall loss of Arctic Ocean sea ice. We investigated the effect of warming on the Arctic Ocean ice area flux into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago using a 22-year record (1997-2018) of ice exchange derived from RADARSAT-1 and RADARSAT-2 imagery. Results indicated that there has been a significant increase in the amount of Arctic Ocean sea ice (10<sup>3</sup> km<sup>2</sup>/year) entering the northern Canadian Arctic Archipelago over the period of 1997-2018. The increased Arctic Ocean ice area flux was associated with reduced ice arch duration but also with faster (thinner) moving ice and more southern latitude open water leeway as a result of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago’s long-term transition to a younger and thinner ice regime. Remarkably, in 2016, the Arctic Ocean ice area flux into the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (161x10<sup>3</sup> km<sup>2</sup>) was 7 times greater than the 1997-2018 average (23x10<sup>3</sup> km<sup>2</sup>) and almost double the 2007 ice area flux into Nares Strait (87x10<sup>3</sup> km<sup>2</sup>). Indeed, Nares Strait is known to be an important pathway for Arctic Ocean ice loss however, the results of this study suggest that with continued warming, the Canadian Arctic Archipelago may also become a large contributor to Arctic Ocean ice loss.</p>

scholarly journals Recent extreme light sea ice years in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: 2011 and 2012 eclipse 1998 and 2007

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 1753-1768 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. L. Howell ◽  
T. Wohlleben ◽  
A. Komarov ◽  
L. Pizzolato ◽  
C. Derksen
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Surface Air Temperature ◽  
Ice Cover ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
Northwest Passage ◽  
The Arctic Ocean

Abstract. Remarkably low mean September sea ice area in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) was observed in 2011 (146 × 103 km2), a record-breaking level that was nearly exceeded in 2012 (150 × 103 km2). These values were lower than previous September records set in 1998 (200 × 103 km2) and 2007 (220 × 103 km2), and are ∼60% lower than the 1981–2010 mean September climatology. In this study, the processes contributing to the extreme light years of 2011 and 2012 were investigated, compared to previous extreme minima of 1998 and 2007, and contrasted against historic summer seasons with above average September ice area. The 2011 minimum was associated with positive June through September (JJAS) surface air temperature (SAT) and net solar radiation (K*) anomalies that facilitated rapid melt, coupled with atmospheric circulation that restricted multi-year ice (MYI) inflow from the Arctic Ocean into the CAA. The 2012 minimum was also associated with positive JJAS SAT and K* anomalies with coincident rapid melt, but further ice decline was temporarily mitigated by atmospheric circulation which drove Arctic Ocean MYI inflow into the CAA. Atmospheric circulation was comparable between 2011 and 1998 (impeding Arctic Ocean MYI inflow) and 2012 and 2007 (inducing Arctic Ocean MYI inflow). However, preconditioning was more apparent leading up to 2011 and 2012 than 1998 and 2007. The rapid melt process in 2011 and 2012 was more intense than observed in 1998 and 2007 because of the thinner ice cover being more susceptible to anomalous thermodynamic forcing. The thinner sea ice cover within the CAA in recent years has also helped counteract the processes that facilitate extreme heavy ice years. The recent extreme light years within the CAA are associated with a longer navigation season within the Northwest Passage.

scholarly journals Regional variability of acidification in the Arctic: a sea of contrasts

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. E. Popova ◽  
A. Yool ◽  
Y. Aksenov ◽  
A. C. Coward ◽  
T. R. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Atmospheric Co2 ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
Regional Variability ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. The Arctic Ocean is a region that is particularly vulnerable to the impact of ocean acidification driven by rising atmospheric CO2, with potentially negative consequences for calcifying organisms such as coccolithophorids and foraminiferans. In this study, we use an ocean-only general circulation model, with embedded biogeochemistry and a comprehensive description of the ocean carbon cycle, to study the response of pH and saturation states of calcite and aragonite to rising atmospheric pCO2 and changing climate in the Arctic Ocean. Particular attention is paid to the strong regional variability within the Arctic, and, for comparison, simulation results are contrasted with those for the global ocean. Simulations were run to year 2099 using the RCP8.5 (an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) scenario with the highest concentrations of atmospheric CO2). The separate impacts of the direct increase in atmospheric CO2 and indirect effects via impact of climate change (changing temperature, stratification, primary production and freshwater fluxes) were examined by undertaking two simulations, one with the full system and the other in which atmospheric CO2 was prevented from increasing beyond its preindustrial level (year 1860). Results indicate that the impact of climate change, and spatial heterogeneity thereof, plays a strong role in the declines in pH and carbonate saturation (Ω) seen in the Arctic. The central Arctic, Canadian Arctic Archipelago and Baffin Bay show greatest rates of acidification and Ω decline as a result of melting sea ice. In contrast, areas affected by Atlantic inflow including the Greenland Sea and outer shelves of the Barents, Kara and Laptev seas, had minimal decreases in pH and Ω because diminishing ice cover led to greater vertical mixing and primary production. As a consequence, the projected onset of undersaturation in respect to aragonite is highly variable regionally within the Arctic, occurring during the decade of 2000–2010 in the Siberian shelves and Canadian Arctic Archipelago, but as late as the 2080s in the Barents and Norwegian seas. We conclude that, for future projections of acidification and carbonate saturation state in the Arctic, regional variability is significant and needs to be adequately resolved, with particular emphasis on reliable projections of the rates of retreat of the sea ice, which are a major source of uncertainty.

scholarly journals Recent extreme light sea ice years in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: 2011 and 2012 eclipse 1998 and 2007

2013 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 1313-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. L. Howell ◽  
T. Wohlleben ◽  
A. Komarov ◽  
L. Pizzolato ◽  
C. Derksen
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Atmospheric Circulation ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Surface Air Temperature ◽  
Ice Cover ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
First Year ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
Northwest Passage

Abstract. Record low mean September sea ice area in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago (CAA) was observed in 2011 (146 × 103 km2), a level that was nearly exceeded in 2012 (150 × 103 km2). These values eclipsed previous September records set in 1998 (200 × 103 km2) and 2007 (220 × 103 km2) and are ∼60% lower than the 1981–2010 mean September climatology. In this study, the driving processes contributing to the extreme light years of 2011 and 2012 were investigated, compared to previous extreme minima of 1998 and 2007, and contrasted against historic summer seasons with above average September ice area. The 2011 minimum was driven by positive July surface air temperature (SAT) anomalies that facilitated rapid melt, coupled with atmospheric circulation in July and August that restricted multi-year ice (MYI) inflow from the Arctic Ocean into the CAA. The 2012 minimum was also driven by positive July SAT anomalies (with coincident rapid melt) but further ice decline was temporarily mitigated by atmospheric circulation in August and September which drove Arctic Ocean MYI inflow into the CAA. Atmospheric circulation was comparable between 2011 and 1998 (impeding Arctic Ocean MYI inflow) and 2012 and 2007 (inducing Arctic Ocean MYI inflow). However, evidence of both preconditioned thinner Arctic Ocean MYI flowing into CAA and maximum landfast first-year ice (FYI) thickness within the CAA was more apparent leading up to 2011 and 2012 than 1998 and 2007. The rapid melt process in 2011 and 2012 was more intense than observed in 1998 and 2007 because of the thinner ice cover being more susceptible to positive SAT forcing. The thinner sea ice cover within the CAA in recent years has also helped counteract the processes that facilitate extreme heavy ice years. The recent extreme light years within the CAA are associated with a longer navigation season within the Northwest Passage.

The drift of ice islands from the Arctic Ocean into the channels of the Canadian Arctic archipelago: the history of Hobson's Choice Ice Island

Polar Record ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 29 (171) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin O. Jeffries ◽  
M. Amanda Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
Conclusive Evidence ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Canadian Arctic Archipelago ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
History Of ◽  
Sar Data ◽  
Sar Imagery ◽  
Buoy Data

ABSTRACTThe drift of Hobson's Choice Ice Island from the Arctic Ocean into the channels of the Queen Elizabeth Islands, Northwest Territories, Canadian Arctic, between February 1988 and August 1992, was monitored by a Système Argos satellite-positioning buoy. During the period August 1991 to May 1992, the ice island was imaged by synthetic aperture radar (SAR) aboard the ERS-1 satellite. The buoy data show that Hobson's Choice entered Peary Channel (between Axel Heiberg Island and Ellef Ringnes Island) in October 1988. Subsequently, between mid-August 1991 and November 1991, it drifted rapidly south to Queens Channel (60 km north of Cornwallis Island). The SAR data corroborate the buoy data and also reveal that at least six other ice islands entered the Queen Elizabeth Islands' channels with Hobson's Choice. The SAR imagery also recorded the fragmentation of Hobson's Choice between mid-October and mid-November 1991. The buoy and SAR data are conclusive evidence that ice islands do leave the Arctic Ocean via the northwestern channels of the Canadian Arctic archipelago. The observed drift occurred when there was extensive break-up of fast ice in the inter-island channels caused by above average summer temperatures, in combination with favourable atmospheric circulation and surface winds that drove the ice islands into and through the channels.

scholarly journals An Acoustic Ranging System to Measure Motion of Sea Ice

1977 ◽  
Vol 19 (81) ◽  
pp. 663-664
Author(s):  
R. H. Goodman ◽  
R. C. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Commercial Activity ◽  
Acoustic Ranging ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
Design And Testing ◽  
Application Design

Abstract With the present increase of commercial activity in the Arctic Ocean, there is a growing need for advanced engineering techniques and instrumentation. This paper discusses the application, design and testing of an acoustic ranging system used to measure the motion of sea ice at potential ice-platform drilling locations in the Canadian Arctic.

scholarly journals An Acoustic Ranging System to Measure Motion of Sea Ice

1977 ◽  
Vol 19 (81) ◽  
pp. 663-664
Author(s):  
R. H. Goodman ◽  
R. C. Clark
Keyword(s):  
Sea Ice ◽  
Arctic Ocean ◽  
Canadian Arctic ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Commercial Activity ◽  
Acoustic Ranging ◽  
The Arctic Ocean ◽  
Design And Testing ◽  
Application Design

AbstractWith the present increase of commercial activity in the Arctic Ocean, there is a growing need for advanced engineering techniques and instrumentation. This paper discusses the application, design and testing of an acoustic ranging system used to measure the motion of sea ice at potential ice-platform drilling locations in the Canadian Arctic.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document