El hielo marino de latitudes polaresevolución anual e interanual (1979-2008)

Abstract

In this paper the intra-annual and interannual variability of the marine ice is analysed over the period 1979 to 2008 from the data and images facilitated by the "National Snow and Ice dates Center" (NSIDC). These data are related to the annual average temperature. The annual average of the marine ice surface area (1979-2008) is very similar in both poles, although its temporary evolution is opposed in both hemispheres. In the Arctic Ocean there is an abrupt reduction of the surface area of the ice during this period, with a remarkable recovery in 2008. As opposed to it, the marine seas surrounding the Antarctic show an increase of the extension of the ice, especially in the last fifteen years, with a maximum value in 2008. With respect to the total of the marine ice over the period 1979 to 2008, there is an overall deficit balance, because the reduction of the Arctic ice is greater than the increase of the Antarctic ice.