The influence of atmospheric zonal wave three on Antarctic sea ice variability

The study examines the relationship between atmospheric zonal wave three and Antarctic sea ice variability using an index of zonal wave three and sea ice concentration. The net sensible heat flux and the surface air temperature are used to explain the apparent atmosphere-sea ice interaction. The results show that zonal wave three forces an alternating pattern of equatorward (colder) and poleward (warmer) flow which influences the temperature difference between the atmosphere and the ocean. The net sensible heat flux is positive, ocean heat loss is greater, and sea ice growth and expansion is greater in regions of colder air. The reverse is true in regions of warmer air. This influence of zonal wave three on sea ice concentration appears greatest in the southern fall and early winter. It is most clearly seen in the Ross and Weddell Seas outflows and off the Amery iceshelf.