Abstract: Arctic climate is undergoing rapid changes. In the Arctic Ocean, polynyas are the areas with the highest level of activity. The formation and maintenance of polynyas, sea ice formation, and subsequent brine rejection can have profound impacts on the hydrological environment, the survival and development of marine life, and the viability of Arctic shipping routes. However, there is insufficient information on the variability of the location, size, and timing of Arctic polynyas and on the factors and mechanisms that drive and maintain polynyas. There are few Chinese reviews that focus on the processes underlying the formation and the temporal and spatial variations of Arctic polynyas. Therefore, in this paper, we provide an overview of existing studies, and outline current research methods and results with regard to formation mechanisms and processes underlying the temporal and spatial variations. We provide a summary of the effects of polynyas on the Arctic region and the thermodynamic and dynamic factors that influence polynya variation. We highlight prospects for future research on the basis of existing studies.

Key words: Arctic polynyas, sea ice, wind, ocean current