Vertical Feedback Mechanism of Winter Arctic Amplification and Sea Ice Loss.

ABSTRACT: Sea ice reduction is accelerating in the Barents and Kara Seas. Several mechanisms are proposed to explain the accelerated loss of Arctic sea ice, which remains to be controversial. In the present study, detailed physical mechanism of sea ice reduction in winter (December-February) is identified from the daily ERA interim reanalysis data. Downward longwave radiation is an essential element for sea ice reduction, but can primarily be sustained by excessive upward heat flux from the sea surface exposed to air in the region of sea ice loss. The increased turbulent heat flux is used to increase air temperature and specific humidity in the lower troposphere, which in turn increases downward longwave radiation. This feedback process is clearly observed in the Barents and Kara Seas in the reanaly

SUBMITTER: Kim KY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6362226 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature