Extraction of Sea Ice Thickness Using a Laser Rangefinder Mounted on an Icebreaker

Abstract

Recently, higher sea surface temperature and less sea ice extents have been reported because the polar environments are dramatically transforming because of climate change. Measurements of sea ice thickness are important for assessing climate change. Thus, it is required to constantly monitor sea ice thickness to accurately measure and estimate the future trends of the polar environment. In this study, the average sea ice thickness in the Arctic Ocean was calculated by using elevation data from a laser rangefinder installed on the icebreaker, RV Araon, operated by Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI). The freeboard was calculated by using the elevation data from the top of the bow, and the ice draft was calculated using hydrostatic equilibrium. The results showed that the sea ice thickness increased with higher latitudes and from east to west and the obtained data are expected to be a fundamental basis for the future research of climate change by monitoring the polar region.