Interannual Variability of Young Ice in the Arctic Estimated Between 2002 and 2009

The recently observed reduction in perennial ice in the Arctic has given rise to a corresponding increase in seasonal ice, which includes young ice (YI). This type of ice has a major impact on the weather and climate systems. However, only a limited number of studies have been dedicated to explore its spatial coverage and duration. This is mainly due to the lack of remote sensing tools that can identify it. This study uses an ice type and concentration retrieval algorithm, namely, Environment Canada´s Ice Concentration Extractor, to study YI distribution and duration in the Arctic during seven ice formation seasons: 2002-03 to 2008-09. Results on the YI area, peak period, duration, and its interannual variability are presented in six regions covering the Arctic Basin. Duration is presented in terms of two parameters that describe the peak period and the number of days when YI concentration exceeds 50%. Probability distribution of the latter parameter shows that YI survives very few days before it grows into first-year ice. The summer of the minimum ice record in 2007 did not leave a remarkable impact on the subsequent YI area or its duration, although a delay in ice formation is observed. YI in the North Water polynya is also studied and shows no particular trend, although it varies between years. Anomalies are explained in terms of modeled surface temperature and wind.