Impact of the fluid dynamic factor on the formation and changes of the ice cover in the Arctic Ocean

Abstract

In recent decades, the reduction in the area of Arctic ice and its thickness has accelerated. These phenomena are associated with global warming. But the ice cover is destroyed not only under the influence of external causes, but also under the influence of the deep fluid-dynamic factor of the lithosphere. The authors analyzed the satellite observations of ice thickness together with the interpretation of the anomalies of the geomagnetic field and the gravity field. The studies made it possible to put forward an assumption about the influence of thermofluid channels of faults on the formation of the ice cover due to a decrease in the thickness of the ice. The paper presents the results of studying the structure of the lithosphere of the Arctic Ocean in the zones of accelerated ice melting above the outlets of thermofluid channels to the bottom surface. The mechanism of influence of the endogenous factor on the processes of ice destruction is considered. It is noted that the nature of the horizontal layering of the earth's crust affects the process of ice formation. Taking into account the fluid dynamic factor and the layering of the earth's crust on the formation of the ice regime can be useful in determining the optimal transport and logistics routes for year-round navigation along the Northern Sea Route and safe navigation.

Keywords

• arctic ocean
• ice cover
• fluid dynamic factor