Articles | Volume 20, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-20-2331-2026
© Author(s) 2026. 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-20-2331-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Estimating Arctic sea ice thickness from satellite-based ice history
Faculty of Education, Kochi University, Kochi, Japan
Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
Hiroyasu Hasumi
Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
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This study presents a comprehensive validation of a satellite observational sea ice motion product in Antarctica by using drifting buoys. Two problems existing in this sea ice motion product have been noticed. After rectifying problems, we use it to investigate the impacts of satellite observational configuration and timescale on Antarctic sea ice kinematics and suggest the future improvement of satellite missions specifically designed for retrieval of sea ice motion.
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This study presents a comprehensive validation of a satellite observational sea ice motion product in Antarctica by using drifting buoys. Two problems existing in this sea ice motion product have been noticed. After rectifying problems, we use it to investigate the impacts of satellite observational configuration and timescale on Antarctic sea ice kinematics and suggest the future improvement of satellite missions specifically designed for retrieval of sea ice motion.
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Short summary
Measuring sea ice thickness is difficult using satellite data, but it is crucial for understanding climate change. This study introduces a new method that estimates ice thickness by tracking where and when sea ice formed and calculating how much it likely grew based on daily weather conditions. The results agreed well with underwater measurements. This method helps map ice thickness across the Arctic and may support estimates of other hard-to-measure sea ice features.
Measuring sea ice thickness is difficult using satellite data, but it is crucial for...