Using IceBridge data to study changes on multi- and first-year sea ice in the western Arctic between 2009-2015

Abstract:

Since the late 1970’s there has been a marked decrease in September sea ice extent and with that the sea ice pack has changed from a predominantly multi-year ice pack to one that is predominantly first-year ice. During this same period the sea ice has thinned, however the impact of snow depth changes on the overall state of the sea ice pack are relatively uncertain. In this study we use Lagrangian tracking ice type data along with IceBridge and CryoSat sea ice thickness and snow depth data products and surface temperature to examine the changes in the multi-year and first year ice regimes in March between 2009-2015. We will show the regional and annual changes in ice thickness and snow depth on multi-year and first year sea ice (as well as their locations) in the Canadian Arctic and Beaufort Sea. We will also anlalyze links in snow depth and thickness changes based on AIRS 925 hPa air temperature, 925 hPa geopotential height, precipitable water and Calipso cloud fraction in DJF, and changes in mixed layer temperatures to freeze-up dates. Lastly, we will analyze melt onset differences between multi-year and first- year sea ice to see how snow thickness and ice type play a role.