Why is summertime Arctic sea ice drift speed projected to decrease?

5 March 2024

Over the long term, the speed at which sea ice in the Arctic moves has been increasing during all seasons. However, nearly all climate models project that sea ice motion will decrease during summer. This study aims to understand the mechanisms responsible for these projected decreases in summertime sea ice motion. The authors find that models produce changes in winds and ocean surface tilt which cause the sea ice to slow down, and it is realistic to expect such changes to also occur in the real world.

The press release by York University can be found at: https://www.yorku.ca/news/2024/03/05/after-decades-of-arctic-sea-ice-getting-faster-and-more-hazardous-for-transport-models-suggest-a-dramatic-reversal-is-coming-york-u-study-finds/

Contact: Neil F. Tandon (tandon@yorku.ca)