Articles | Volume 18, issue 7
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3049-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-3049-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
04 Jul 2024
Research article |
| 04 Jul 2024
| 04 Jul 2024
Seasonal and diurnal variability of sub-ice platelet layer thickness in McMurdo Sound from electromagnetic induction sounding
Gemma M. Brett
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Greg H. Leonard
School of Surveying, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Wolfgang Rack
Gateway Antarctica, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Christian Haas
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University, Toronto, Canada
Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany
Department of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
Patricia J. Langhorne
Department of Physics, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
Natalie J. Robinson
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Wellington, New Zealand
Anne Irvin
Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, York University, Toronto, Canada
Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
Related authors
Gemma M. Brett, Daniel Price, Wolfgang Rack, and Patricia J. Langhorne
The Cryosphere, 15, 4099–4115, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4099-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4099-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Ice shelf meltwater in the surface ocean affects sea ice formation, causing it to be thicker and, in particular conditions, to have a loose mass of platelet ice crystals called a sub‐ice platelet layer beneath. This causes the sea ice freeboard to stand higher above sea level. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the signature of ice shelf meltwater in the surface ocean manifesting as higher sea ice freeboard in McMurdo Sound is detectable from space using satellite technology.
Gemma M. Brett, Gregory H. Leonard, Wolfgang Rack, Christian Haas, Patricia J. Langhorne, and Anne Irvin
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-61, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-61, 2021
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
Using a geophysical technique, we observe temporal variability in the influence of ice shelf meltwater on coastal sea ice which forms platelet ice crystals which contribute to the thickness of the sea ice and accumulate into a thick mass called a sub-ice platelet layer (SIPL). The variability observed in the SIPL indicated that circulation of ice shelf meltwater out from the cavity in McMurdo Sound is influenced by tides and strong offshore winds which affect surface ocean circulation.
Christian Haas, Patricia J. Langhorne, Wolfgang Rack, Greg H. Leonard, Gemma M. Brett, Daniel Price, Justin F. Beckers, and Alex J. Gough
The Cryosphere, 15, 247–264, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-247-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-247-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a method to remotely detect proxy signals of Antarctic ice shelf melt under adjacent sea ice. It is based on aircraft surveys with electromagnetic induction sounding. We found year-to-year variability of the ice shelf melt proxy in McMurdo Sound and spatial fine structure that support assumptions about the melt of the McMurdo Ice Shelf. With this method it will be possible to map and detect locations of intense ice shelf melt along the coast of Antarctica.
Steven Franke, Mara Neudert, Veit Helm, Arttu Jutila, Océane Hames, Niklas Neckel, Stefanie Arndt, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2657, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-2657, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Our research explored how icebergs affect the distribution of snow and flooding on Antarctic coastal sea ice. Using aircraft-based radar and laser scanning, we found that icebergs create thick snow drifts on their wind-facing sides and leave snow-free zones in their lee. The weight of these snow drifts often causes the ice below to flood, forming slush. These patterns, driven by wind and iceberg placement, are crucial for understanding sea ice changes and improving climate models.
Lena G. Buth, Thomas Krumpen, Niklas Neckel, Melinda A. Webster, Gerit Birnbaum, Niels Fuchs, Philipp Heuser, Ole Johannsen, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1103, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1103, 2025
Short summary
Short summary
Arctic sea ice is becoming smoother, raising the question of how these changes affect melt pond coverage and thereby surface albedo. Using airborne imagery and laser altimeter data, we investigated how pressure ridges influence melt ponds. The presence of ridges does not directly control pond fraction, but it does influence pond size distribution and pond geometry. Small ponds have a more complex shape on rough ice than on smooth ice, while the opposite is true for large ponds.
Christian T. Wild, Reinhard Drews, Niklas Neckel, Joohan Lee, Sihyung Kim, Hyangsun Han, Won Sang Lee, Veit Helm, Sebastian Harry Reid Rosier, Oliver J. Marsh, and Wolfgang Rack
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3593, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3593, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The stability of the Antarctic Ice Sheet depends on how resistance along the sides of large glaciers slows down the flow of ice into the ocean. We present a method to map ice strength using the effect of ocean tides on floating ice shelves. Incorporating weaker ice in shear zones improves the accuracy of model predictions compared to satellite observations. This demonstrates the untapped potential of radar satellites to map ice stiffness in the most critical areas for ice sheet stability.
Rui Xu, Chaofang Zhao, Stefanie Arndt, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 18, 5769–5788, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5769-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-5769-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
The onset of snowmelt on Antarctic sea ice is an important indicator of sea ice change. In this study, we used two radar scatterometers to detect the onset of snowmelt on perennial Antarctic sea ice. Results show that since 2007, snowmelt onset has demonstrated strong interannual and regional variabilities. We also found that the difference in snowmelt onsets between the two scatterometers is closely related to snow metamorphism.
Yi Zhou, Xianwei Wang, Ruibo Lei, Arttu Jutila, Donald K. Perovich, Luisa von Albedyll, Dmitry V. Divine, Yu Zhang, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2821, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-2821, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
This study examines how the bulk density of Arctic sea ice varies seasonally, a factor often overlooked in satellite measurements of sea ice thickness. From October to April, we found significant seasonal variations in sea ice bulk density at different spatial scales using direct observations as well as airborne and satellite data. New models were then developed to indirectly predict sea ice bulk density. This advance can improve our ability to monitor changes in Arctic sea ice.
Niels Fuchs, Luisa von Albedyll, Gerit Birnbaum, Felix Linhardt, Natascha Oppelt, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 18, 2991–3015, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2991-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2991-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Melt ponds are key components of the Arctic sea ice system, yet methods to derive comprehensive pond depth data are missing. We present a shallow-water bathymetry retrieval to derive this elementary pond property at high spatial resolution from aerial images. The retrieval method is presented in a user-friendly way to facilitate replication. Furthermore, we provide pond properties on the MOSAiC expedition floe, giving insights into the three-dimensional pond evolution before and after drainage.
Yi Zhou, Xianwei Wang, Ruibo Lei, Luisa von Albedyll, Donald K. Perovich, Yu Zhang, and Christian Haas
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1240, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-1240, 2024
Preprint archived
Short summary
Short summary
This study examines how the density of Arctic sea ice varies seasonally, a factor often overlooked in satellite measurements of sea ice thickness. From October to April, using direct observations and satellite data, we found that sea ice density decreases significantly until mid-January due to increased porosity as the ice ages, and then stabilizes until April. We then developed new models to estimate sea ice density. This advance can improve our ability to monitor changes in Arctic sea ice.
Karl Kortum, Suman Singha, Gunnar Spreen, Nils Hutter, Arttu Jutila, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 18, 2207–2222, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2207-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-2207-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
A dataset of 20 radar satellite acquisitions and near-simultaneous helicopter-based surveys of the ice topography during the MOSAiC expedition is constructed and used to train a variety of deep learning algorithms. The results give realistic insights into the accuracy of retrieval of measured ice classes using modern deep learning models. The models able to learn from the spatial distribution of the measured sea ice classes are shown to have a clear advantage over those that cannot.
Luisa von Albedyll, Stefan Hendricks, Nils Hutter, Dmitrii Murashkin, Lars Kaleschke, Sascha Willmes, Linda Thielke, Xiangshan Tian-Kunze, Gunnar Spreen, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 18, 1259–1285, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1259-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-1259-2024, 2024
Short summary
Short summary
Leads (openings in sea ice cover) are created by sea ice dynamics. Because they are important for many processes in the Arctic winter climate, we aim to detect them with satellites. We present two new techniques to detect lead widths of a few hundred meters at high spatial resolution (700 m) and independent of clouds or sun illumination. We use the MOSAiC drift 2019–2020 in the Arctic for our case study and compare our new products to other existing lead products.
Julian Gutt, Stefanie Arndt, David Keith Alan Barnes, Horst Bornemann, Thomas Brey, Olaf Eisen, Hauke Flores, Huw Griffiths, Christian Haas, Stefan Hain, Tore Hattermann, Christoph Held, Mario Hoppema, Enrique Isla, Markus Janout, Céline Le Bohec, Heike Link, Felix Christopher Mark, Sebastien Moreau, Scarlett Trimborn, Ilse van Opzeeland, Hans-Otto Pörtner, Fokje Schaafsma, Katharina Teschke, Sandra Tippenhauer, Anton Van de Putte, Mia Wege, Daniel Zitterbart, and Dieter Piepenburg
Biogeosciences, 19, 5313–5342, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5313-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-19-5313-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Long-term ecological observations are key to assess, understand and predict impacts of environmental change on biotas. We present a multidisciplinary framework for such largely lacking investigations in the East Antarctic Southern Ocean, combined with case studies, experimental and modelling work. As climate change is still minor here but is projected to start soon, the timely implementation of this framework provides the unique opportunity to document its ecological impacts from the very onset.
Klaus Dethloff, Wieslaw Maslowski, Stefan Hendricks, Younjoo J. Lee, Helge F. Goessling, Thomas Krumpen, Christian Haas, Dörthe Handorf, Robert Ricker, Vladimir Bessonov, John J. Cassano, Jaclyn Clement Kinney, Robert Osinski, Markus Rex, Annette Rinke, Julia Sokolova, and Anja Sommerfeld
The Cryosphere, 16, 981–1005, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-981-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-981-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Sea ice thickness anomalies during the MOSAiC (Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate) winter in January, February and March 2020 were simulated with the coupled Regional Arctic climate System Model (RASM) and compared with CryoSat-2/SMOS satellite data. Hindcast and ensemble simulations indicate that the sea ice anomalies are driven by nonlinear interactions between ice growth processes and wind-driven sea-ice transports, with dynamics playing a dominant role.
Arttu Jutila, Stefan Hendricks, Robert Ricker, Luisa von Albedyll, Thomas Krumpen, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 16, 259–275, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-259-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-16-259-2022, 2022
Short summary
Short summary
Sea-ice thickness retrieval from satellite altimeters relies on assumed sea-ice density values because density cannot be measured from space. We derived bulk densities for different ice types using airborne laser, radar, and electromagnetic induction sounding measurements. Compared to previous studies, we found high bulk density values due to ice deformation and younger ice cover. Using sea-ice freeboard, we derived a sea-ice bulk density parameterisation that can be applied to satellite data.
Nele Lamping, Juliane Müller, Jens Hefter, Gesine Mollenhauer, Christian Haas, Xiaoxu Shi, Maria-Elena Vorrath, Gerrit Lohmann, and Claus-Dieter Hillenbrand
Clim. Past, 17, 2305–2326, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-17-2305-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-17-2305-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We analysed biomarker concentrations on surface sediment samples from the Antarctic continental margin. Highly branched isoprenoids and GDGTs are used for reconstructing recent sea-ice distribution patterns and ocean temperatures respectively. We compared our biomarker-based results with data obtained from satellite observations and estimated from a numerical model and find reasonable agreements. Further, we address caveats and provide recommendations for future investigations.
Stefanie Arndt, Christian Haas, Hanno Meyer, Ilka Peeken, and Thomas Krumpen
The Cryosphere, 15, 4165–4178, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4165-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4165-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present here snow and ice core data from the northwestern Weddell Sea in late austral summer 2019, which allow insights into possible reasons for the recent low summer sea ice extent in the Weddell Sea. We suggest that the fraction of superimposed ice and snow ice can be used here as a sensitive indicator. However, snow and ice properties were not exceptional, suggesting that the summer surface energy balance and related seasonal transition of snow properties have changed little in the past.
Gemma M. Brett, Daniel Price, Wolfgang Rack, and Patricia J. Langhorne
The Cryosphere, 15, 4099–4115, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4099-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4099-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Ice shelf meltwater in the surface ocean affects sea ice formation, causing it to be thicker and, in particular conditions, to have a loose mass of platelet ice crystals called a sub‐ice platelet layer beneath. This causes the sea ice freeboard to stand higher above sea level. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the signature of ice shelf meltwater in the surface ocean manifesting as higher sea ice freeboard in McMurdo Sound is detectable from space using satellite technology.
Thomas Krumpen, Luisa von Albedyll, Helge F. Goessling, Stefan Hendricks, Bennet Juhls, Gunnar Spreen, Sascha Willmes, H. Jakob Belter, Klaus Dethloff, Christian Haas, Lars Kaleschke, Christian Katlein, Xiangshan Tian-Kunze, Robert Ricker, Philip Rostosky, Janna Rückert, Suman Singha, and Julia Sokolova
The Cryosphere, 15, 3897–3920, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3897-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-3897-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We use satellite data records collected along the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) drift to categorize ice conditions that shaped and characterized the floe and surroundings during the expedition. A comparison with previous years is made whenever possible. The aim of this analysis is to provide a basis and reference for subsequent research in the six main research areas of atmosphere, ocean, sea ice, biogeochemistry, remote sensing and ecology.
H. Jakob Belter, Thomas Krumpen, Luisa von Albedyll, Tatiana A. Alekseeva, Gerit Birnbaum, Sergei V. Frolov, Stefan Hendricks, Andreas Herber, Igor Polyakov, Ian Raphael, Robert Ricker, Sergei S. Serovetnikov, Melinda Webster, and Christian Haas
The Cryosphere, 15, 2575–2591, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-2575-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-2575-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Summer sea ice thickness observations based on electromagnetic induction measurements north of Fram Strait show a 20 % reduction in mean and modal ice thickness from 2001–2020. The observed variability is caused by changes in drift speeds and consequential variations in sea ice age and number of freezing-degree days. Increased ocean heat fluxes measured upstream in the source regions of Arctic ice seem to precondition ice thickness, which is potentially still measurable more than a year later.
Gemma M. Brett, Gregory H. Leonard, Wolfgang Rack, Christian Haas, Patricia J. Langhorne, and Anne Irvin
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-61, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2021-61, 2021
Manuscript not accepted for further review
Short summary
Short summary
Using a geophysical technique, we observe temporal variability in the influence of ice shelf meltwater on coastal sea ice which forms platelet ice crystals which contribute to the thickness of the sea ice and accumulate into a thick mass called a sub-ice platelet layer (SIPL). The variability observed in the SIPL indicated that circulation of ice shelf meltwater out from the cavity in McMurdo Sound is influenced by tides and strong offshore winds which affect surface ocean circulation.
Luisa von Albedyll, Christian Haas, and Wolfgang Dierking
The Cryosphere, 15, 2167–2186, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-2167-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-2167-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
Convergent sea ice motion produces a thick ice cover through ridging. We studied sea ice deformation derived from high-resolution satellite imagery and related it to the corresponding thickness change. We found that deformation explains the observed dynamic thickness change. We show that deformation can be used to model realistic ice thickness distributions. Our results revealed new relationships between thickness redistribution and deformation that could improve sea ice models.
Morgan E. Monz, Peter J. Hudleston, David J. Prior, Zachary Michels, Sheng Fan, Marianne Negrini, Pat J. Langhorne, and Chao Qi
The Cryosphere, 15, 303–324, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-303-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-303-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We present full crystallographic orientations of warm, coarse-grained ice deformed in a shear setting, enabling better characterization of how crystals in glacial ice preferentially align as ice flows. A commonly noted c-axis pattern, with several favored orientations, may result from bias due to overcounting large crystals with complex 3D shapes. A new sample preparation method effectively increases the sample size and reduces bias, resulting in a simpler pattern consistent with the ice flow.
Christian Haas, Patricia J. Langhorne, Wolfgang Rack, Greg H. Leonard, Gemma M. Brett, Daniel Price, Justin F. Beckers, and Alex J. Gough
The Cryosphere, 15, 247–264, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-247-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-247-2021, 2021
Short summary
Short summary
We developed a method to remotely detect proxy signals of Antarctic ice shelf melt under adjacent sea ice. It is based on aircraft surveys with electromagnetic induction sounding. We found year-to-year variability of the ice shelf melt proxy in McMurdo Sound and spatial fine structure that support assumptions about the melt of the McMurdo Ice Shelf. With this method it will be possible to map and detect locations of intense ice shelf melt along the coast of Antarctica.
Maria-Elena Vorrath, Juliane Müller, Lorena Rebolledo, Paola Cárdenas, Xiaoxu Shi, Oliver Esper, Thomas Opel, Walter Geibert, Práxedes Muñoz, Christian Haas, Gerhard Kuhn, Carina B. Lange, Gerrit Lohmann, and Gesine Mollenhauer
Clim. Past, 16, 2459–2483, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-2459-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/cp-16-2459-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
We tested the applicability of the organic biomarker IPSO25 for sea ice reconstructions in the industrial era at the western Antarctic Peninsula. We successfully evaluated our data with satellite sea ice observations. The comparison with marine and ice core records revealed that sea ice interpretations must consider climatic and sea ice dynamics. Sea ice biomarker production is mainly influenced by the Southern Annular Mode, while the El Niño–Southern Oscillation seems to have a minor impact.
Joshua King, Stephen Howell, Mike Brady, Peter Toose, Chris Derksen, Christian Haas, and Justin Beckers
The Cryosphere, 14, 4323–4339, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4323-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-4323-2020, 2020
Short summary
Short summary
Physical measurements of snow on sea ice are sparse, making it difficulty to evaluate satellite estimates or model representations. Here, we introduce new measurements of snow properties on sea ice to better understand variability at distances less than 200 m. Our work shows that similarities in the snow structure are found at longer distances on younger ice than older ice.
Craig Stevens, Natalie Robinson, Gabby O'Connor, and Brett Grant
The Cryosphere Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2020-249, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2020-249, 2020
Revised manuscript not accepted
Short summary
Short summary
Along Antarctica's coastal margin melting ice shelves create plumes of very cold sea water. In some circumstances the water is so cold that ice crystals exist in suspension. We present evidence from near the McMurdo Ice Shelf of ice crystals far larger than normal (by an order of magnitude or more). The crystal behaviour is examined by combining measurements of the crystal motion with ocean flow and turbulence data. This helps us make links between ice shelf melting and sea ice formation.
Cited articles
Arrigo, K. R., Dieckmann, G., Gosselin, M., Robinson, D. H., Fritsen, C. H., and Sullivan, C. W.: High resolution study of the platelet ice ecosystem in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica: biomass, nutrient, and production profiles within a dense microalgal bloom, Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser., 127, 255–268, 1995.
Arndt, S., Hoppmann, M., Schmithüsen, H., Fraser, A. D., and Nicolaus, M.: Seasonal and interannual variability of landfast sea ice in Atka Bay, Weddell Sea, Antarctica, The Cryosphere, 14, 2775–2793, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-14-2775-2020, 2020.
Assmann, K., Hellmer, H., and Beckmann, A.: Seasonal variation in circulation and water mass distribution on the Ross Sea continental shelf, Antarct. Sci., 15, 3–11, 2003.
Barry, J.: Hydrographic patterns in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and their relationship to local benthic communities, Polar Biol., 8, 377–391, 1988.
Barry, J. and Dayton, P.: Current patterns in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica and their relationship to local biotic communities, Polar Biol. 8, 367–376, 1988.
Brett, G. M., Irvin, A., Rack, W., Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J., and Leonard, G. H.: Variability in the Distribution of Fast Ice and the Sub-ice Platelet Layer Near McMurdo Ice Shelf, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 125, e2019JC015678, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JC015678, 2020.
Brett, G. M., Price, D., Rack, W., and Langhorne, P. J.: Satellite altimetry detection of ice-shelf-influenced fast ice, The Cryosphere, 15, 4099–4115, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-4099-2021, 2021.
Brett, G. M., Leonard, G. H., Isaacs, F., and Robinson, N. J.: Drill hole measurements of fast ice and sub-ice platelet layer thickness, and snow depth in McMurdo Sound – November 2018, PANGAEA [data set], https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.933050, 2023.
Brett, G. M., Leonard, G. H., Rack, W., Irvin, A., Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J., and Smith, I.: Winter 2018 time-series measurement of land-fast sea ice and sub-ice platelet layer thicknesses from electromagnetic induction soundings in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, PANGAEA [data set], https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.968699, 2024a.
Brett, G. M., Leonard, G. H., Rack, W., Irvin, A., Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J.: Late spring 2018 land-fast sea ice and sub-ice platelet layer thicknesses from electromagnetic induction soundings along repeated west to to east transects in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, PANGAEA [data set], https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.968701, 2024b.
Brett, G. M., Leonard, G. H., Rack, W., Irvin, A., Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J., and Smith, I.: Spring 2018 time-series measurement of land-fast sea ice and sub-ice platelet layer thicknesses from electromagnetic induction soundings in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, PANGAEA [data set], https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.968700, 2024c.
Cheng, C., Jenkins, A., Holland, P. R., Wang, Z., Liu, C., and Xia, R.: Responses of sub-ice platelet layer thickening rate and frazil-ice concentration to variations in ice-shelf water supercooling in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, The Cryosphere, 13, 265–280, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-13-265-2019, 2019.
Dempsey, D. E., Langhorne, P. J., Robinson, N. J., Williams, M. J. M., Haskell, T. G., and Frew, R. D.: Observation and modeling of platelet ice fabric in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, J. Geophys. Res., 115, C01007, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008jc005264, 2010.
Foldvik, A. and Kvinge, T.: Conditional instability of sea water at the freezing point, Deep-Sea Res. Ocean. Abstr., 21, 169–174, https://doi.org/10.1016/0011-7471(74)90056-4, 1974.
Frazer, E. K., Langhorne, P. J., Leonard, G. H., Robinson, N. J., and Schumayer, D.: Observations of the Size Distribution of Frazil Ice in an Ice Shelf Water Plume, Geophys. Res. Lett., 47, e2020GL090498, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL090498, 2020.
Goring, D. G. and Pyne, A.: Observations of sea-level variability in Ross Sea, Antarctica, New Zeal. J. Mar. Fresh., 37, 241–249, 2003.
Gough, A. J., Mahoney, A. R., Langhorne, P. J., Williams, M. J., Robinson, N. J., and Haskell, T. G.: Signatures of supercooling: McMurdo Sound platelet ice, J. Glaciol., 58, 38–50, 2012.
Haas, C.: Comparison of sea-ice thickness measurements under summer and winter conditions in the Arctic using a small electromagnetic induction device, Geophysics, 62, 749, https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1444184, 1997.
Haas, C., Lobach, J., Hendricks, S., Rabenstein, L., and Pfaffling, A.: Helicopter-borne measurements of sea ice thickness, using a small and lightweight, digital EM system, J. Appl. Geophys., 67, 234–241, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2008.05.005, 2009.
Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J., Rack, W., Leonard, G. H., Brett, G. M., Price, D., Beckers, J. F., and Gough, A. J.: Airborne mapping of the sub-ice platelet layer under fast ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, The Cryosphere, 15, 247–264, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-15-247-2021, 2021.
Holland, P. R. and Feltham, D. L.: Frazil dynamics and precipitation in a water column with depth-dependent supercooling, J. Fluid Mech., 530, 101–124, 2005.
Hoppmann, M., Nicolaus, M., Hunkeler, P. A., Heil, P., Behrens, L. K., König-Langlo, G., and Gerdes, R.: Seasonal evolution of an ice-shelf influenced fast-ice regime, derived from an autonomous thermistor chain, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 120, 1703–1724, https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jc010327, 2015a.
Hoppmann, M., Nicolaus, M., Paul, S., Hunkeler, P. A., Heinemann, G., Willmes, S., Timmermann, R., Boebel, O., Schmidt, T., and Kühnel, M.: Ice platelets below Weddell Sea landfast sea ice, Ann. Glaciol., 56, 175–190, 2015b.
Hoppmann, M., Richter, M. E., Smith, I. J., Jendersie, S., Langhorne, P. J., Thomas, D. N., and Dieckmann, G. S.: Platelet ice, the Southern Ocean's hidden ice: a review, Ann. Glaciol., 61, 1–28, 2020.
Hughes, K., Langhorne, P., Leonard, G., and Stevens, C.: Extension of an Ice Shelf Water plume model beneath sea ice with application in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 119, 8662–8687, 2014.
Hunkeler, P. A., Hendricks, S., Hoppmann, M., Paul, S., and Gerdes, R.: Towards an estimation of sub-sea-ice platelet-layer volume with multi-frequency electromagnetic induction sounding, Ann. Glaciol., 56, 137–146, https://doi.org/10.3189/2015AoG69A705, 2015.
Hunkeler, P. A., Hoppmann, M., Hendricks, S., Kalscheuer, T., and Gerdes, R.: A glimpse beneath Antarctic sea ice: Platelet layer volume from multifrequency electromagnetic induction sounding, Geophys. Res. Lett., 43, 222–231, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL065074, 2016.
Hunt, B. M., Hoefling, K., and Cheng, C.-H. C.: Annual warming episodes in seawater temperatures in McMurdo Sound in relationship to endogenous ice in notothenioid fish, Antarct. Sci., 15, 333–338, 2003.
Irvin, A.: Towards Multi-Channel Inversion of Electromagnetic Sea Ice Surveys, PhD thesis, York University, Toronto, Canada, http://hdl.handle.net/10315/35925 (last access: 4 June 2023), 2018.
Jacobs, S., Helmer, H., Doake, C., Jenkins, A., and Frolich, R.: Melting of ice shelves and the mass balance of Antarctica, J. Glaciol., 38, 375–387, 1992.
Jacobs, S. S., Fairbanks, R. G., and Horibe, Y.: Origin and evolution of water masses near the Antarctic continental margin: Evidence from H218O/H216O ratios in seawater, Oceanology of the Antarctic continental shelf, 43, 59–85, 1985.
Jendersie, S., Williams, M. J., Langhorne, P. J., and Robertson, R.: The density-driven winter intensification of the Ross Sea circulation J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 123, 7702–7724, 2018.
Jenkins, A. and Bombosch, A.: Modeling the effects of frazil ice crystals on the dynamics and thermodynamics of ice shelf water plumes, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 100, 6967–6981, 1995.
Jordan, J. R., Kimura, S., Holland, P. R., Jenkins, A., and Piggott, M. D.: On the conditional frazil ice instability in seawater, J. Phys. Oceanogr., 45, 1121–1138, 2015.
Langhorne, P. J., Hughes, K. G., Gough, A. J., Smith, I. J., Williams, M. J. M., Robinson, N. J., Stevens, C. L., Rack, W., Price, D., Leonard, G. H., Mahoney, A. R., Haas, C., and Haskell, T. G.: Observed platelet ice distributions in Antarctic sea ice: An index for ocean-ice shelf heat flux, Geophys. Res. Lett., 42, 5442–5451, https://doi.org/10.1002/2015gl064508, 2015.
Leonard, G. H., Purdie, C. R., Langhorne, P. J., Haskell, T. G., Williams, M. J. M., and Frew, R. D.: Observations of platelet ice growth and oceanographic conditions during the winter of 2003 in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 111, C04012, https://doi.org/10.1029/2005JC002952, 2006.
Leonard, G. H., Langhorne, P. J., Williams, M. J., Vennell, R., Purdie, C. R., Dempsey, D. E., Haskell, T. G., and Frew, R. D.: Evolution of supercooling under coastal Antarctic sea ice during winter, Antarctic Sci., 23, 399–409, 2011.
Lewis, E. L. and Perkin, R. G.: The Winter Oceanography of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, in: Oceanology of the Antarctic Continental Shelf, edited by: Jacobs, S. S., 145–165, ISBN 9780875901961, https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1029/AR043p0145 (last access: 1 December 2022), 1985.
Lewis, E. and Perkin, R.: Ice pumps and their rates, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, J. Geophys. Res., 91, 11756–11762, https://doi.org/10.1029/JC091iC10p11756, 1986.
MacAyeal, D. R.: Thermohaline circulation below the Ross Ice Shelf: A consequence of tidally induced vertical mixing and basal melting, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 89, 597–606, 1984.
Mahoney, A. R., Gough, A. J., Langhorne, P. J., Robinson, N. J., Stevens, C. L., Williams, M. M., and Haskell, T. G.: The seasonal appearance of ice shelf water in coastal Antarctica and its effect on sea ice growth, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 116, C11032, https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JC007060, 2011.
McDougall, T. J. and Barker, P. M.: Getting started with TEOS-10 and the Gibbs Seawater (GSW) oceanographic toolbox, SCOR/IAPSO WG, 127, 1–28, 2011.
McNeil, J.: Technical note TN-6, Electromagnetic terrain conductivity measurement at low induction numbers/Geonics Ltd, 1980.
Ohshima, K. I., Nihashi, S., and Iwamoto, K.: Global view of sea-ice production in polynyas and its linkage to dense/bottom water formation, Geosci. Lett., 3, 13, https://doi.org/10.1186/s40562-016-0045-4, 2016.
Padman, L., Erofeeva, S. Y., and Fricker, H. A.: Improving Antarctic tide models by assimilation of ICESat laser altimetry over ice shelves, Geophys. Res. Lett., 35, L22504, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008GL035592, 2008.
Price, D., Rack, W., Haas, C., Langhorne, P. J., and Marsh, O.: Sea ice freeboard in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, derived by surface-validated ICESat laser altimeter data, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 118, 3634–3650, 2013.
Price, D., Rack, W., Langhorne, P. J., Haas, C., Leonard, G., and Barnsdale, K.: The sub-ice platelet layer and its influence on freeboard to thickness conversion of Antarctic sea ice, The Cryosphere, 8, 1031–1039, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-8-1031-2014, 2014.
Price, D., Beckers, J., Ricker, R., Kurtz, N., Rack, W., Haas, C., Helm, V., Hendricks, S., Leonard, G., and Langhorne, P.: Evaluation of CryoSat-2 derived sea-ice freeboard over fast ice in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, J. Glaciol., 61, 285–300, 2015.
Purdie, C., Langhorne, P., Leonard, G., and Haskell, T.: Growth of first year land-fast Antarctic sea ice determined from winter temperature measurements, Ann. Glaciol., 44, 170–176, 2006.
Rack, W., Haas, C., and Langhorne, P. J.: Airborne thickness and freeboard measurements over the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, and implications for ice density, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 118, 5899–5907, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013jc009084, 2013.
Richter, M. E., Leonard, G. H., Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Mahoney, A. R., and Parry, M.: Accuracy and precision when deriving sea-ice thickness from thermistor strings: a comparison of methods, J. Glaciol., 69, 879–898, https://doi.org/10.1017/jog.2022.108, 2023.
Robinson, N., Williams, M., Barrett, P., and Pyne, A.: Observations of flow and ice-ocean interaction beneath the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 115, C03025, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JC005255, 2010.
Robinson, N. J., Williams, M. J. M., Stevens, C. L., Langhorne, P. J., and Haskell, T. G.: Evolution of a supercooled Ice Shelf Water plume with an actively growing subice platelet matrix, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 119, 3425–3446, https://doi.org/10.1002/2013JC009399, 2014.
Robinson, N. J., Stevens, C. L., and McPhee, M. G.: Observations of amplified roughness from crystal accretion in the sub-ice ocean boundary layer, Geophys. Res. Lett., 44, 1814–1822, https://doi.org/10.1002/2016gl071491, 2017.
Robinson, N. J., Grant, B. S., Stevens, C. L., Stewart, C. L., and Williams, M. J. M.: Oceanographic observations in supercooled water: Protocols for mitigation of measurement errors in profiling and moored sampling, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 170, 102954, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2019.102954, 2020.
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Haskell, T. G., Joe Trodahl, H., Frew, R., and Ross Vennell, M.: Platelet ice and the land-fast sea ice of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Ann. Glaciol., 33, 21–27, 2001.
Smith, I. J., Langhorne, P. J., Frew, R. D., Vennell, R., and Haskell, T. G.: Sea ice growth rates near ice shelves, Cold Reg. Sci. Technol., 83–84, 57–70, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coldregions.2012.06.005, 2012.
Stern, A., Dinniman, M., Zagorodnov, V., Tyler, S., and Holland, D.: Intrusion of warm surface water beneath the McMurdo Ice Shelf, Antarctica, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 118, 7036–7048, 2013.
Stevens, C., Robinson, N., O'Connor, G. and Grant, B.: Ocean turbulent boundary-layer influence on ice crystal behaviour beneath fast ice in an Antarctic ice shelf water plume: The “dirty ice”, Front. Mar. Sci., 10, 1103740, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1103740, 2023.
Wongpan, P., Vancoppenolle, M., Langhorne, P. J., Smith, I. J., Madec, G., Gough, A. J., Mahoney, A. R., and Haskell, T. G.: Sub-Ice Platelet Layer Physics: Insights From a Mushy-Layer Sea Ice Model, J. Geophys. Res.-Oceans, 126, e2019JC015918, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019JC015918, 2021.
Short summary
Glacial meltwater with ice crystals flows from beneath ice shelves, causing thicker sea ice with sub-ice platelet layers (SIPLs) beneath. Thicker sea ice and SIPL reveal where and how much meltwater is outflowing. We collected continuous measurements of sea ice and SIPL. In winter, we observed rapid SIPL growth with strong winds. In spring, SIPLs grew when tides caused offshore circulation. Wind-driven and tidal circulation influence glacial meltwater outflow from ice shelf cavities.
Glacial meltwater with ice crystals flows from beneath ice shelves, causing thicker sea ice with...
