Sea ice physical properties and their application to ocean-atmosphere interaction

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The long-standing concept that ocean-atmosphere interaction cannot occur through sea ice is invalid. We now understand sea ice provides a variably effective conduit for ocean-atmosphere exchange, particularly for CO2. It is now thought that sea ice (depending on its temperature) may produce CO2 as it forms or grows, which may be trapped within the ice and eventually exported to the deep ocean. These interactions are modulated by the shape, location and connectivity of its liquid and gas inclusions, the intrinsic properties of which are controlled by a vertical temperature gradient within the ice and depend also on the sea ice type and age. We aim to characterize the size, shape, location and connectedness of liquid and gas inclusions in sea ice and changes therein from formation to melting. These results are imperative in determining how much atmospheric CO2 may be sequestered in polar oceans over an annual cycle both through, and as a result of, sea ice processes.