Assessment of the Variability of the Laptev Sea Ice Massifs

A. B. Timofeeva; R. I. May; A. V. Rubchenya

doi:10.7868/S2412376526030095

Assessment of the Variability of the Laptev Sea Ice Massifs

A. B. Timofeeva, R. I. May, A. V. Rubchenya

https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526030095

Full Text:

Abstract

This study analyzes the seasonal and interannual variability of sea ice massifs (ice congestion with a concentration of 7 to 10 tenths) in the Laptev Sea using long-term observational data since 1940 to 2024 and regional ice charts for 1997–2024. Changes in the area, seasonal course, and spatial distribution of the Taymyrskiy and Yanskiy ice massifs are examined. The typification of summer ice conditions according to mean-seasonal ice massifs area has been carried out. A pronounced shift in the ice regime after 2005 is identified, marked by accelerated summer ice decay and the disappearance of types of heavy and extremely heavy ice conditions in the interannual course. Extremely light ice conditions have become dominant in recent decades. Spatial analysis based on polygon intersection probability reveals substantial changes in the timing and patterns of ice retreat. The results highlight a fundamental transformation of the Laptev Sea ice regime under contemporary climate change.

Keywords

ice massifs, Laptev Sea, Arctic, interannual variability, climate changes, Taymyrskiy ice massif, Yanskiy ice massif, Northern Sea Route,

About the Authors

A. B. Timofeeva

Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute
Russian Federation
Saint Petersburg

R. I. May

Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute; Krylov State Research Center
Russian Federation
Saint Petersburg

A. V. Rubchenya

N.N. Zubov’s State Oceanographic Institute
Russian Federation
Moscow

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Supplementary files

For citation: Timofeeva A.B., May R.I., Rubchenya A.V. Assessment of the Variability of the Laptev Sea Ice Massifs. Ice and Snow. 2026;66(3):524–541. https://doi.org/10.7868/S2412376526030095

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