This work presents the first time series of high spatio-temporal resolution (2 km, 20 day) maps of East Antarctic landfast sea ice (10° W to 172° E), as well as a detailed study of the interannual variability of fast ice, from 2000 to 2008. Fast-ice maps are generated from cloud-free MODIS composite imagery, augmented by AMSR-E ASI sea-ice concentration composite images when necessary. Several key fast-ice-related parameters have been retrieved in this area for the first time, including: the ratio of winter maximum extent to summer minimum (~3.1:1); the timing of maximum (DOY 261–280) and minimum (DOY 61–80) extent; and the shape of the annual cycle (a broad maximum, with a much more pronounced minimum). A small but significant (at the 99% level) positive trend in fast-ice area/extent was identified from the fast-ice extent time series, though the 9 year length of the time series provided is likely too short to provide a true indication of longer-term variability. This is compared with the large-scale behaviour of the pack ice in this region over this time period. The location of annually recurring fast-ice features was found to be closely related to the distribution of grounded icebergs, both large (with fast ice often forming on the eastern side due to dynamic advection) and small (with fast ice forming between groups of small, subpixel-scale icebergs). Wind speed and direction were investigated as important factors in local fast-ice growth/breakout events.
History
Publication title
International Glaciological Society symposium Sea Ice in the Physical and Biogeochemical System 2010
Editors
International Glaciological Society symposium Sea Ice in the Physical and Biogeochemical System 2010
Pagination
57A008
Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
Publisher
International Glaciological Society symposium Sea Ice in the Physical and Biogeochemical System 2010
Place of publication
Tromso, Norway
Event title
International Glaciological Society symposium Sea Ice in the Physical and Biogeochemical System 2010
Event Venue
Tromso, Norway
Date of Event (Start Date)
2010-05-31
Date of Event (End Date)
2010-06-04
Repository Status
Restricted
Socio-economic Objectives
Effects of climate change on Antarctic and sub-Antarctic environments (excl. social impacts)