Impacts of Climate on Variations in Summer Ice Cover in the Canadian Arctic,
Abstract
Information regarding variations in the summer ice cover in the Canadian Arctic for 1976 and 1977 was obtained from NOAA and Landsat satellite images. Maps of areal and temporal variations in sea ice cover revealed several interesting features. The retreat rates of the pack ice edge in the western Canadian Arctic, particularly in the Beaufort Sea were faster in 1977 than in 1976. On the other hand, in the eastern Canadian Arctic, particularly, in Baffin Bay the rates of summer ice melt were faster in 1976 compared to 1977. Three climatic elements, accumulated summer melting degree days, 1000-millibar pressure patterns and 700-millbar height departures were used in this study. The first two climatic elements had a strong impact on ice cover variations. The higher values of accumulated summer melting degree days in the western Canadian Arctic in 1977 as compared to 1976 were related to maximum expansion of open water in the Beaufort Sea. By contrast, during the 1976 summer season, the southern Beaufort Sea experienced calm conditions or northwesterly winds which kept ice close to the shore. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP002031
Entities
People
- B. Dey
Organizations
- Howard University