Spatiotemporal Analysis of Sea Ice Leads in the Arctic Ocean Retrieved from IceBridge Laxon Line Data 2012–2018

The ocean and atmosphere exert stresses on sea ice that create elongated cracks leads which dominate the vertical exchange of energy, especially in cold seasons, despite covering only a small fraction surface. Motivated by need spatiotemporal analysis lead distribution, practical workflow was developed to classify high spatial resolution aerial images DMS (Digital Mapping System) along Laxon Line NASA IceBridge Mission. Four types (thick ice, thin open water, shadow) were identified, relevant parameters derived for period 2012–2018. variations verified ATM (Airborne Topographic Mapper) surface height data correlated with coarse motion, air temperature, wind through multiple regression models. We found freeboard from compatible other products. temperature motion vorticity leading factors formation leads, followed kinetic moments motion.