Combined influence of oceanic and atmospheric circulations on Greenland sea ice concentration

Abstract. The amount and spatial extent of Greenland Sea (GS) ice are primarily controlled by the sea export across Fram Strait (FS) local seasonal formation, melting, dynamics. In this study, using satellite passive microwave observations, atmospheric a coupled ocean-sea reanalysis system, TOPAZ4, we show that both oceanic circulation in Nordic Seas (NS) act tandem to explain SIC variability south-western GS. Northerly wind anomalies associated with anomalously low level pressure (SLP) over NS reduce GS due westward Ekman drift ice. On other hand, positive stress curl strengthens cyclonic Gyre (GSG) central An intensified GSG may result stronger divergence surface cold fresh waters away from Both these processes can freshwater content weaken upper-ocean stratification At same time, warm saline Atlantic Water (AW) recirculated FS region circulation. Under weakly stratified conditions, enhanced vertical mixing subsurface AW inhibit new further reducing