Seasonal and Interannual Variations in Sea Ice Thickness in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (2019–2022) Using ICESat-2


Contact
chaas [ at ] awi.de

Abstract

The sea ice extent in theWeddell Sea exhibited a positive trend from the start of satellite observations in 1978 until 2016 but has shown a decreasing trend since then. This study analyzes seasonal and interannual variations in sea ice thickness using ICESat-2 laser altimetry data over the Weddell Sea from 2019 to 2022. Sea ice thickness was calculated from ICESat-2’s ATL10 freeboard product using the Improved Buoyancy Equation. Seasonal variability in ice thickness, characterized by an increase from February to September, is more pronounced in the eastern Weddell sector, while interannual variability is more evident in the westernWeddell sector. The results were compared with field data obtained between 2019 and 2022, showing a general agreement in ice thickness distributions around predominantly level ice. A decreasing trend in sea ice thickness was observed when compared to measurements from 2003 to 2017. Notably, the spring of 2021 and summer of 2022 saw significant decreases in Sea Ice Extent (SIE). Although the overall mean sea ice thickness remained unchanged, the northwestern Weddell region experienced a noticeable decrease in ice thickness.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Publication Status
Published online
Eprint ID
59692
DOI 10.3390/rs16203909

Cite as
Joshi, M. , Mestas-Nuñez, A. M. , Ackley, S. F. , Arndt, S. , Macdonald, G. J. and Haas, C. (2024): Seasonal and Interannual Variations in Sea Ice Thickness in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica (2019–2022) Using ICESat-2 , Remote Sensing, 16 (20), p. 3909 . doi: 10.3390/rs16203909


Download
[thumbnail of remotesensing-16-03909-with-cover.pdf]
Preview
PDF
remotesensing-16-03909-with-cover.pdf - Other

Download (10MB) | Preview

Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Research Platforms

Campaigns
PS > 118
PS > 124


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item