Variations of sea surface temperature and ice conditions in the South-Eastern Baltic over the last decade

Abstract

Thermal regime and processes of ice formation in the South-Eastern Baltic for the period 2003-2013 were observed. According to the character of ice formation processes different types of winters were detected. The degree of ice propagation and stability of the ice cover were estimated. Short periods with different tendencies in ice formation were revealed. Hydrometeorological conditions of ice formation in the South-Eastern Baltic were shown. The study was conducted using satellite radar and infrared imagery, synoptic maps analysis, and visual observations.