The effect of polar ice on the atmospheric circulation
The interactions between the atmosphere and the oceans, and the interdependence of atmospheric and oceanic circulations are well – known. As a matter of fact, the oceans and the atmosphere can be treated as a single complex system of two coupled fluids.
The sea ice, which covers about 23 million sq. km. area of the oceans, exerts great influence on the air pressure. Even the temperate cyclones shift their paths equator-ward in those years which are marked by heavy ice.
It is estimated that in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres about 32 million cu. km. and 7 million cu. km. ice melt each year respectively.
As stated earlier, during the process of melting of such a huge amount of sea ice considerable amount of energy is consumed. It results in the lowering of the surface temperature of the sea surface.
The great variations in the area of ice cover have a far-reaching effect on the pressure system and on the climate of the earth. However, the climate itself affects the sea ice formation and also its areal extent.
In this way sea ice plays a very important and complex part in the atmospheric circulation. The pressures in the Polar Regions being consistently high throughout the year, the prevailing easterly winds blow from these regions to the sub-polar low-pressure systems.
