Variations in Sea Ice in the Hudson Strait: 1971-1999

Variations in the timing and characteristics of sea ice formation and retreat in the Hudson Strait are examined, in order to identify both the primary controls on sea ice formation in the Strait and statistically significant trends. No statistically significant trend in the timing of sea ice formation and retreat was observed for the entire data set (1971-1999), although a potentially significant trend has developed since ∽1990. Interannual variability of sea ice represents an autoregressive process in the thermal properties of the Strait. Statistically significant correlations between the length of the ice-free and ice-covered seasons of one year to the next suggests that preconditioning of Hudson Strait waters play a dominant role in determining subsequent ice formation and duration. Further interannual variability depends on the average air temperature during the ice-free season. © 2003 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC