A sea ice entrapment event in the southern Chukchi Sea: Analysis and prediction
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Amplified Arctic warming is reducing sea ice cover, which is driving an increase in geopolitical interest in the region as it offers the possibility of reducing shipping times between Asia, Europe, and eastern North America, at the risk of increased ice hazards. Here, we examine the case of the Norseman II research ship that was trapped by sea ice in the southern Chukchi Sea for 14 days in June 2024. This is the first study of its sort in this region. We show that anomalously thick and extensive sea ice was present north of the region prior to the event, and that strong northerly winds in early June advected this ice southward, trapping the ship. Later in June, southerly winds advected ice northwards away from the ship, helping to free it. We further show that the event was forecastable.
Suggested Citation
Moore, G.W., Steele, M.A., Zhang, J., Schweiger, A.J., Ballinger, T.J., Trukhanova, I., Lawson, M., Beatty, W., and Hameister, S., 2026, A sea ice entrapment event in the southern Chukchi Sea: Analysis and prediction: Geophysical Research Letters, v. 53, no. 13, e2025GL121181, 8 p., https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL121181.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | A sea ice entrapment event in the southern Chukchi Sea: Analysis and prediction |
| Series title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| DOI | 10.1029/2025GL121181 |
| Volume | 53 |
| Issue | 13 |
| Publication Date | June 27, 2026 |
| Year Published | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | American Geophysical Union |
| Contributing office(s) | Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center |
| Description | e2025GL121181, 8 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | southern Chukchi Sea |