ESS11
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Sea Ice
q One major climate effect of sea ice is to
seal off the underlying ocean from interaction with
the atmosphere.
q Without an sea ice cover, high-latitude
oceans transfers large amount of heat to the atmosphere,
especially in winter.
q With an sea ice cover, the heat flux into
the atmosphere is stopped. In addition, the ice
surface absorbs little incoming solar radiation. Winter air temperature can cool 30°C or more near a sea-ice cover.
(from
Earth’s Climate: Past and Future)