Variations in the Odden, Greenland Sea- an interpretation of Special Sensor Microwave/ Imager ice concentration data

Satellite data can provide valuable information on the spatial and temporal variability of sea ice. Ice concentrations can be derived from passive microwave data such as from the SSM/ I (Special Sensor Microwave/ lmager). These data have been used to study the annual variations in the ice-edge, especially in the timing and form of the ' Odden' feature. The Odden is a tongue of sea ice which forms over the cold Polar Water of the Jan Mayen Polar Current as it is forced north-eastwards by the North Jan Mayen Ridge. In the winter months the Odden dominates the Greenland Sea extending over 1000 km from the coast. Daily monitoring of the SSM/ 1 ice concentrations in February 1988 showed that the Odden could vary up to 350 km in length in a 24-hour period. This is due to the rapid formation of pancake ice and not to movement of the existing ice.