Abstract
The action of ocean waves and swell on sea ice in the marginal ice zone (MIZ) controls the size distribution of ice floes and thus affects ice dynamics and the thermodynamics of ice growth and decay. An understanding of ice processes is important because of the influence of the sea-ice cover on high latitude weather and global climate1. Also, long-term changes in average sea ice extent could provide a sensitive indication of climatic change if the degree of shorter term variability were better understood2. Previous observations of the propagation of swell within the ice pack have been limited in spatial and temporal extent3–6. Here we present new results from the US Seasat satellite which suggest that radar altimetry can provide a powerful means of global synoptic monitoring of the interaction between ocean and ice.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.