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)