Abstract
Abstract Large accumulations of very close pack ice, called ice massifs, have been identified in the ice‐covered areas of the ocean. Eighteen such ice massifs have been identified, their total area accounting for 75% of the area covered with sea ice. About 80% of the total volume of sea ice is concentrated in them. Thicker, heavier ice massifs present the main obstacle to navigation and have caused the loss of many vessels. Spurs of the ice massif in the Arctic Basin are distinguished from local massifs. The main peculiarities in interannual and seasonal variability in the areas and locations of massifs are found to be their inertia (lasting for 2–3 months) and the way two areas may balance each other in terms of ice conditions; this latter phenomenon is explained in terms of contrasting (but related) wind and pressure conditions. Some features of ice massifs in winter and their interaction are discussed.
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