WHOI PO

Abstract: The sea ice albedo feedback refers to Arctic surface warming primarily to the retreat of sea ice leading to exposure of open ocean, which absorbs more sunlight than sea ice. This definition neglects the solar absorption at the sea ice surface due to a changing sea ice albedo. Here we show, using coupled climate model simulations and satellite observations, that reductions in sea ice albedo contribute an equally large increase in solar heat input to the Arctic Ocean. We further find that enhanced cloud cover over newly exposed open water offsets part of this heating by reducing the solar radiation reaching the surface. Because this cloud-induced cooling occurs preferentially over open ocean rather than over sea ice, the net solar heating is greater over sea ice surfaces than over open water.