Mid-winter anomaly of sea ice in the Western Nansen Basin in 2010s

Abstract

In this paper we review our earlier predictions of progressive “atlantification” of the Nansen Basin, meaning further eastward advance of the sub-polar structural water type along the Atlantic Water pathway. Fast and persistent reduction of sea ice area in the Western Nansen Basin in mid-winter after 2012 confirms the validity of our basic concept and gives some confidence for making cautious projection of future hydrographic and ice conditions in the Eastern Atlantic sector of the Arctic Ocean.