Oceanographer
Oceanographer: A scientist who studies the ocean. Uses satellite imagery, underwater sensors, and manual measurements of sea-ice thickness to collect data on sea-ice conditions and ocean temperature.
In August or September (the middle of winter), sea ice covers over 19 × 106 km2 of the Southern Ocean (an area larger than Europe). In February (the middle of summer), only 3 × 106 km2 of the ocean is covered by sea ice.
Sea ice keeps the air of the Antarctic region cool by reflecting most of the solar radiation back into space.
Open water absorbs solar radiation instead of reflecting it and converts it to heat. This heat warms up the atmosphere.
Sea ice reduces evaporation of the ocean, thus reducing the amount of moisture that is released to the atmosphere.
As sea ice melts, bacteria and other particles are released into the atmosphere. These particles can form condensation nuclei, which grow into rain or snow.
Rain helps to stabilize the sea ice by freezing on the surface.
Sea ice can be broken up by strong winds that last a week or more.
