Annual cycles of multiyear sea ice coverage of the Arctic Ocean: 1999–2003

摘要: [1] For the years 1999–2003, we estimate time-varying perennial ice zone (PIZ) coverage and construct annual cycles of multiyear (MY, including second year) Arctic Ocean using QuikSCAT backscatter, MY fractions from RADARSAT, record export satellite passive microwave observations. An area balance approach extends winter to remainder year. From these estimates, at beginning each year is 3774 × 103 km2 (2000), 3896 (2001), 4475 (2002), 4122 (2003). Uncertainties in are ∼150 km2. In mean, on 1 January, covers ∼60% Ocean. Ice reduces this ∼55% by May. multiple cycles, first-year (FY) that survives intervening summers 1192 1509 582 (2002). order for remain constant year, replenishment areas must overall melt during summer. The effect minimum sea summer 2002 seen lowest surviving FY three summers. addition spatial coverage, location PIZ important. One consequence unusual end preconditioning enhanced into Barents Kara seas. Differences between minimums our estimates observations discussed.