Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2016-28
https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-2016-28
02 Mar 2016
 | 02 Mar 2016
Status: this preprint was under review for the journal TC. A revision for further review has not been submitted.

Brief Communication: Does it matter exactly when the Arctic will become ice-free?

J. K. Ridley, R. A. Wood, A. B. Keen, E. Blockley, and J. A. Lowe

Abstract. Following the 2015 UNFCCC Conference of Parties in Paris there is renewed interest in understanding and avoiding potentially dangerous climate change. The loss of Arctic sea ice is one of the most directly visible aspects of climate change and the question is frequently asked: when can we expect the Arctic to be ice-free in summer? We argue here that this question may not be the most useful one to inform decisions on climate change mitigation or adaptation in the Arctic. The development of a community-wide consensus on a robust definition of "ice-free", may reduce confusion in the community and amongst the public.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
J. K. Ridley, R. A. Wood, A. B. Keen, E. Blockley, and J. A. Lowe
 
Status: closed (peer review stopped)
Status: closed (peer review stopped)
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
 
Status: closed (peer review stopped)
Status: closed (peer review stopped)
AC: Author comment | RC: Referee comment | SC: Short comment | EC: Editor comment
Printer-friendly Version - Printer-friendly version Supplement - Supplement
J. K. Ridley, R. A. Wood, A. B. Keen, E. Blockley, and J. A. Lowe
J. K. Ridley, R. A. Wood, A. B. Keen, E. Blockley, and J. A. Lowe

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Short summary
The internal variability in model projections of Arctic sea ice extent is high. As a consequence an ensemble of projections from a single model can show considerable scatter in the range of dates for an "ice-free" Arctic. This paper investigates if the scatter can be reduced for a variety of definitions of "ice-free". Daily GCM data reveals that only a high emissions scenario results in the optimal definition of five conservative years in with ice extent is below one million square kilometer.