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Polar Oceans from Space pp 365–402Cite as

Polynyas and Other Polar Phenomena

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Part of the book series: Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library ((ATSL,volume 41))

Abstract

The important roles of sensible and latent heat polynyas, the Odden, the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave, polar outbreaks, icebergs, and other features and processes in the polar oceans are discussed in the context of their spatial distributions and frequency of occurrences as inferred from long term and synoptic observations by satellite sensors. Satellite data have provided valuable insights into how these special features could affect the thermohaline circulation and primary productivity of the oceans and cause deep vertical convection, ocean ventilation, storminess, and horizontal transport of salt in the polar oceans. It is apparent that large changes are occurring, including frequency of occurrence of the Odden and the character of the Antarctic Circumpolar Wave. Many questions remain, but some answers are possible through concurrent use of satellite data, in situ data and numerical models.

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  1. Cryospheric Sciences Branch, Code 614.1, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), Greenbelt, MD, 20771, USA

    Josefino Comiso

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Comiso, J. (2010). Polynyas and Other Polar Phenomena. In: Polar Oceans from Space. Atmospheric and Oceanographic Sciences Library, vol 41. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-68300-3_8

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