Abstract:

Using data of monthly mean sea ice motion velocity and sea ice concentration, provided by the National Snow
and Ice Data Center, we established the temporal variation of sea ice motion velocity in the Ross Sea (1979–2015).
The interannual and seasonal variational characteristics of sea ice motion velocity were revealed, as was the relationship
between sea ice motion velocity and sea ice extent. Finally, the factors influencing the variation of sea ice
motion velocity were analyzed. The results showed that sea ice motion velocity in the Ross Sea increased during
1979–2015; the rate of increase was fastest in autumn, followed by winter, spring, and summer. The average motion
velocity of sea ice in winter was highest, followed by autumn, spring, and summer. The sea ice motion velocity and
sea ice extent both showed increasing trends over the 37-year period. Although the variation of sea ice motion velocity
lagged sea ice extent by 1–2 months, significant positive correlation was found between them, and the increase
of sea ice motion velocity caused the extent of sea ice to expand, affecting the distribution of Antarctic sea ice.
Significant positive correlation was found between sea ice motion velocity and wind speed in the Ross Sea, indicating
that the wind field was a factor contributing directly to the variation of sea ice motion velocity. In addition, sea
ice motion was also affected by the pressure field, ocean currents, and ocean drag coefficient.

Key words: Ross Sea, sea ice motion velocity, sea ice concentration, sea surface wind