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Platelet Ice Under Arctic Pack Ice in Winter
Author(s) -
Katlein Christian,
Mohrholz Volker,
Sheikin Igor,
Itkin Polona,
Divine Dmitry V.,
Stroeve Julienne,
Jutila Arttu,
Krampe Daniela,
Shimanchuk Egor,
Raphael Ian,
Rabe Benjamin,
Kuznetsov Ivan,
Mallet Maria,
Liu Hailong,
Hoppmann Mario,
Fang YingChih,
Dumitrascu Adela,
Arndt Stefanie,
Anhaus Philipp,
Nicolaus Marcel,
Matero Ilkka,
Oggier Marc,
Eicken Hajo,
Haas Christian
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2020gl088898
Subject(s) - arctic ice pack , sea ice , antarctic sea ice , ice formation , drift ice , geology , arctic , oceanography , cryosphere , fast ice , sea ice thickness , ice shelf , climatology , atmospheric sciences
Abstract The formation of platelet ice is well known to occur under Antarctic sea ice, where subice platelet layers form from supercooled ice shelf water. In the Arctic, however, platelet ice formation has not been extensively observed, and its formation and morphology currently remain enigmatic. Here, we present the first comprehensive, long‐term in situ observations of a decimeter thick subice platelet layer under free‐drifting pack ice of the Central Arctic in winter. Observations carried out with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) during the midwinter leg of the MOSAiC drift expedition provide clear evidence of the growth of platelet ice layers from supercooled water present in the ocean mixed layer. This platelet formation takes place under all ice types present during the surveys. Oceanographic data from autonomous observing platforms lead us to the conclusion that platelet ice formation is a widespread but yet overlooked feature of Arctic winter sea ice growth.