Ice gets transported to different parts of the Arctic. When it melts it puts a freshwater flux into the ocean. For example, sea ice transported into the Greenland Sea has the ability to cap mixing of fresh and saline water by putting in a freshened surface layer which acts like an inversion on the ocean. Concerns about the sensitivity of the polar oceans to climate change have prompted scientists to find new ways to monitor the ocean. Data are obtained via remote sensing from satellites and a network of sea ice buoys.
Satellites provide daily information on ice extent and movement.
The radiant emission patterns of the ice are obtained by the satellite's sensor. As sea ice ages, its emission properties change. In younger ice, the remaining trapped brine has not completely drained away. Multiyear ice is known to have about two parts per thousand salt. Buoys are also used to monitor ice movement and characteristics of the polar sea ice.