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The role of cyclone activity in snow accumulation on Arctic sea ice

Author

Listed:
  • M. A. Webster

    (University of Alaska Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute)

  • C. Parker

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
    University of Maryland, 5825 University Research Court Suite 4001)

  • L. Boisvert

    (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

  • R. Kwok

    (Jet Propulsion Laboratory)

Abstract

Identifying the mechanisms controlling the timing and magnitude of snow accumulation on sea ice is crucial for understanding snow’s net effect on the surface energy budget and sea-ice mass balance. Here, we analyze the role of cyclone activity on the seasonal buildup of snow on Arctic sea ice using model, satellite, and in situ data over 1979–2016. On average, 44% of the variability in monthly snow accumulation was controlled by cyclone snowfall and 29% by sea-ice freeze-up. However, there were strong spatio-temporal differences. Cyclone snowfall comprised ~50% of total snowfall in the Pacific compared to 83% in the Atlantic. While cyclones are stronger in the Atlantic, Pacific snow accumulation is more sensitive to cyclone strength. These findings highlight the heterogeneity in atmosphere-snow-ice interactions across the Arctic, and emphasize the need to scrutinize mechanisms governing cyclone activity to better understand their effects on the Arctic snow-ice system with anthropogenic warming.

Suggested Citation

  • M. A. Webster & C. Parker & L. Boisvert & R. Kwok, 2019. "The role of cyclone activity in snow accumulation on Arctic sea ice," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-13299-8
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13299-8
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    Cited by:

    1. Chelsea L. Parker & Priscilla A. Mooney & Melinda A. Webster & Linette N. Boisvert, 2022. "The influence of recent and future climate change on spring Arctic cyclones," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-14, December.

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