Sea ice phenology in the Caspian Sea

Abstract

To understand the spatial and temporal variations in the extent and timing of sea ice in the Caspian Sea (CS), 15 years of sea ice presence and its phenology (freeze-up, break-up, and duration) were studied in the Northern CS (NCS) for a period from 2004 to 2018. This study indicated that the percentage of sea ice covered area in the CS showed fluctuations ranging from 54.2% in 2004 to more than 89% in 2006 and 2008. This study, furthermore, found regional differences within the NCS in sea ice phonological features during 2004 to 2018. Specifically, earlier sea ice formation, later ice melt, and longer ice periods were observed in the eastern than the western NCS. Noticeable interannual changes were also observed in the timing and duration of the NCS ice (2004-2018). However, most parts of the NCS did not show significant trends (P>0.05) in the formation, decay, and duration of sea ice and their interannual variability. The observed spatial and temporal patterns in the CS ice can have implications for phytoplankton blooms and higher trophic levels, such as fish and endangered Caspian seal populations and merits further investigation.