The Complete Annual Record of Sea Ice Volume Export Through Fram Strait
as Observed by Satellite from 2010-2022.
Abstract
Fram Strait is the primary pathway for sea ice export from the Arctic
Ocean, yet estimates of volume export are constrained by observations of
ice thickness and drift. Using a new year-round CryoSat-2 ice thickness
product we determine an average annual export of 1,712 ± 452 km^3 from
2011-2022. 15% of the Arctic Oceans sea ice volume is exported
annually, while 3.2% of the volume lost during the melt season is
exported. Comparing high- and low-resolution ice drift products reveals
the latter underestimate export by 30%. Comparing volume export between
82°N and 79°N reveals a high melt rate of 1 cm d-1, reducing export by
53%. September sea ice volume declines by 286 km^3 for every 100 km^3
exported during summer, highlighting how export amplifies the ice-albedo
feedback. Our estimates of volume export provide new insight into Fram
Straits role as a sea ice sink and freshwater source.