Zabolotskikh E.V., Balashova E.A.
The sea ice dynamics in the Pechora Sea in winter 2019/2020 was studied basing on satellite and model data of different spatial and temporal resolution. Model fields of air temperature, sea surface temperature and surface wind as well as the surface current fields retrieved from satellite data were used to analyze the main factors influencing the changes in the sea ice area and types. To derive the sea ice characteristics satellite images and measurements of high (Sentinel‐1), moderate (MODIS) and low (AMSR2, SMOS) spatial resolution were used. The Arctic portal ensured the instrumental possibility for data visualization to analyze satellite images and geophysical parameter fields of different spatial and temporal resolutions. The verification of the sea ice type structure analysis was done on the bases of the detailed sea ice maps of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, whereas the verification of the sea ice thickness was done using the SMOS estimates. We conclude that intensive North Atlantic cyclones, accompanied by the development of storm winds over the Pechora Sea and by positive air temperature anomalies, are the main reasons for the atypically young sea ice type structure by the end of the winter and for the destruction of the sea ice cover a month earlier than traditionally in mild winters. Presumably, an increase in the number of the North Atlantic cyclones and in their intensity as a result of the Arctic climate changes will lead to sharper changes in the characteristics of the sea ice cover of the Pechora Sea (stronger decrease in the sea ice area and thickness) than for the other regions of the Arctic.
