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.