Interannual changes in sea-ice conditions on the Arctic Sea Route obtained by satellite microwave data

Abstract

With decreases in Arctic sea-ice extent in recent years, the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Northwest Passage (NWP), which we collectively term the Arctic Sea Route (ASR), have become open for navigation more frequently. The ASR connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, with the NSR following the Siberian coast, and the NWP following the north coast of North America. This study evaluated long-term ice concentrations along both routes using microwave data from the SMMR and SSM/I sensors, and analyzed details using data from the AMSR-E passive microwave sensor. The data were used to determine the number of navigable days according to various sea-ice concentrations. Analysis of SMMR and SSM/I data showed a remarkably large number of navigable days on the NSR since 1995. For the NWP, the low resolution of the SMMR and SSM/I data for the Canadian Arctic Archipelago made analysis difficult, but long-term change in the sea-ice distribution on the ASR was indicated. Analysis of the AMSR-E microwave sensor data revealed navigable days along the NSR in 2002 and from 2005 to 2009 (except 2007). For navigation purposes, the sea-ice decrease in specific regions is important, as well as the decrease across the Arctic Ocean as a whole. For the NWP, numerous navigable days were identified in the period 2006-08.