Chinese Journal of Polar Research

Chinese Journal of Polar Research ›› 2020, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (3): 402-414.DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.20190068

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Review of sea ice variability in Canadian Arctic Archipelago and associated change factors

Shen Xinyi1,2,3, Zhang Yu1,2,3, Chen Changsheng1,2,3,4, Hu Song1,2,3   

  1. 1.College of Marine Sciences, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
    2.International Center for Marine Studies, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
    3.Center for Polar Research, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
    4.School for Marine Science and Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02744, USA
  • Received:2019-11-11 Revised:2020-01-02 Online:2020-09-30 Published:2020-09-30
  • Contact: zhang Yu

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Abstract: The Canadian Arctic Archipelago is an important gateway for Arctic freshwater outflow. Variability of sea ice and Arctic freshwater flowing through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago has profound impacts on the hydrology, environment and ecosystems of the North Atlantic downstream. Sea ice variability in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago also plays an important role in navigation of the Northwest Passage. However, processes and mechanisms of sea ice change in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago are insufficiently described by existing studies because of temporal and spatial limitations of observational data. This paper reviews current research on sea ice concentration, extent, thickness and flux in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, analyzes the effect of sea ice variability on navigation of the Northwest Passage, and summarizes the main factors affecting sea ice variability in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. These include thermodynamics and dynamics of atmospheric circulation and changes in the ocean. We identify prospects for future research on the basis of existing findings.

Key words: Canadian Arctic Archipelago, sea ice, Northwest Passage, melt season, multi-year ice