Pack ice is a dense layer of ice that drifts on top of the ocean under the influence of winds and currents, independent of any land mass. Areas of pack ice grow in the winter and shrink in the summer. While global warming is melting Earth's ice, pack ice is increasing in some areas due to higher temperatures detaching sheets of ice from land.
Pack ice is a crucial part of the arctic ecosystem. It provides protection for krill to breed without the danger of predators. However, high levels of pack ice that persist over longer periods of time prevent other animals from accessing the krill, which can lead to a decline in the populations of birds and other natural predators.
Arctic shipping routes are also affected by pack ice, with thick ice necessitating the use of icebreaker ships to clear the way. Because pack ice drifts around independent of land, it can cause unexpected hazards for ships navigating this area of the ocean.
NASA’s satellite data help track the formation and growth of pack ice, providing a useful resource for studies of arctic ecosystems, shipping transport, and global warming.
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