An anomalous return of the Odden ice tongue suggests unusual Arctic conditions
A new study in Polar Science reports the return of the Odden ice tongue in the Greenland Sea after years of absence. Researchers suggest this recurrence is linked to complex short-term variations in Arctic wind, temperature, and ocean salinity.
Why it matters
Understanding the reappearance of this feature helps scientists better model Arctic sea ice variability amidst long-term climate change trends.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Study area and its placement in the southwestern Nordic Seas. The red polygon in the left panel is the location of the study area near the West Jan Mayen Ridge with the Jan Mayen Island marking its southeastern corner. Credit: Polar Science (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.polar.2026.101407 Data from many sources, including NASA , have shown a significant decrease in Arctic sea ice since 1979. However, the processes driving the melting and freezing of sea ice are complex, and fluctuations occur throughout the year. Short-term variations in temperature, winds, ocean convection and water salinity within a certain region can also affect how much ice can reform or melt.
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