Tokyo Office periodically receives and disseminates reports on research developments in Japan that are related to the Foundation's mission. NSF-sponsored researchers currently working in Japan prepare many of these reports. These reports provide information for use by the global science and engineering community. Hayley Shen , Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699-5710, prepared the following report.
Most sea ice is seasonal, melting and growing annually.
The dynamic change of sea ice cover quickly responds and contributes to climate change. Seasonal ice cover is a biological breeding ground for much marine life. The growth and decay of the ice cover produce salt and fresh water, respectively. Differences in density of this water from the ambient causes vertical currents in the ocean, and, thus, contributes to deep-water circulation, which in turn drives global ocean circulation. Changes in sea ice cover not only directly affect marine production in the high latitudes, but also have long-term affects on ocean water circulation.