Variability in the distribution of fast ice and the Sub‐ice platelet layer near McMurdo ice shelf

Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2020)

https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/2019JC015678

To investigate variability in the influence of Ice Shelf Water (ISW), we measured sea ice and sub-ice platelet layer (SPL) thicknesses near McMurdo Ice Shelf in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.

Thicker SPLs were observed in years subject to a higher occurrence of strong offshore winds over winter as the sea ice was forming.

We hypothesize that higher frequencies of strong winds, resultant polynya activity, and High Salinity Shelf Water production over winter accelerates circulation and increases melting in the McMurdo and Ross Ice Shelf regions. The outflow of supercooled Ice Shelf Water and SPL formation in McMurdo Sound are consequently promoted.