Skip to main content

Research Repository

Advanced Search

Brief communication: Changing mid-twentieth century Antarctic sea ice variability linked to tropical forcing (Discussion Paper)

Brief communication: Changing mid-twentieth century Antarctic sea ice variability linked to tropical forcing (Discussion Paper) Thumbnail


Abstract

Satellite observations demonstrate Antarctic sea ice extent increased between late-1978 and 2015, with significant spatial and seasonal variability. Late spring retreat off George V Land is a major component of the observed increase, but the paucity of proxy records makes interpretation of trends (and impacts) challenging. Here Earth-system modelling and reanalysis demonstrate tropical Pacific warming can trigger an atmospheric Rossby wave response during the austral spring, delaying sea-ice retreat off George V Land. Our results provide new insights into the spatial and temporal role low latitudes play in Antarctic sea-ice production, drift and ocean circulation on decadal to centennial timescales.

Acceptance Date Apr 21, 2017
Publication Date Apr 25, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal The Cryosphere
Print ISSN 1994-0416
Publisher European Geosciences Union (EGU)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2017-51%2C+2017
Publisher URL https://www.the-cryosphere-discuss.net/tc-2017-51/

Files




Downloadable Citations