The effect of the grounded tabular icebergs in front of Berkner Island on the Weddell Sea ice drift as seen from satellite passive microwave sensors

The huge grounded tabular icebergs in the southern Weddell Sea might have a significant influence on the sea ice drift, because they form a barrier to the clockwise circulation. The influence of these icebergs on the sea ice distribution is studied with ice concentration analyses from satellite passive microwave sensors over an eleven year period. Besides total ice concentration the fractions of the two different types distinguished in the NASA Team algorithm are studied. One is attributed to first-year ice and the other to deformed ice or ice with heavy snow cover. Results show that the ice coverage east of the icebergs has changed from 40% to between 80 and 90% in summer. This happens because the southward drifting sea ice is trapped between the continent on the right and the icebergs on the left. Therefore less ice formation in this area results in less heat exchange and brine release, which might effect the oceanic processes in front and under the ice shelfs.