Aerial Observations of Melt Pond Distributions in Arctic Summer 2008

摘要

Melt pond distributions in Arctic summer 2008 were investigated based on analyses of aerial photographs obtained during the 3rd Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition. Melt ponds were the dominant features on ice surface during most of the cruise. Analyses on the size of isolated pond indicated an abundance of relative small ponds. Pond size distribution showed a nice fit to the power law, but a difference between ponds on first-year ice and multiyear ice can be observed. Pond shape analysis revealed a uniform fractal dimension of pond edge but a variable roundness, implying the geometrical complexity of melt ponds.