VARIATIONS IN THE ODDEN, GREENLAND SEA - AN INTERPRETATION OF SPECIAL-SENSOR-MICROWAVE IMAGER ICE CONCENTRATION DATA/

Satellite data can provide valuable information on the spatial and tem poral variability of sea ice. Ice concentrations can be derived from p assive microwave data such as from the SSM/I (Special Sensor Microwave /Imager). These data have been used to study the annual variations in the ice-edge, especially in the timing and form of the 'Odden' feature . The Odden is a tongue of sea ice which forms over the cold Polar Wat er of the Jan Mayen Polar Current as it is forced north-eastwards by t he North Jan Mayen Ridge. In the winter months the Odden dominates the Greenland Sea extending over 1000 km from the coast. Daily monitoring of the SSM/I ice concentrations in February 1988 showed that the Odde n could vary up to 350 km in length in a 24-hour period. This is due t o the rapid formation of pancake ice and not to movement of the existi ng ice.