High Resolution Infra-red Satellite
Images of the 1999 Cosmonaut Sea Polynya
NOAA 15 IR Image on July 07 1999
at 03:38 GMT
In this image, The embayment
is nicely outlined by convective clouds. Again this is indicative
of the large transfer of heat and moisture from the ocean to the
atmophere that is taking place within the confines of the embayment.
The clouds take the form of linear bands near the end of the polynya
and are transformed into more cellular structures near the mouth.
The Japanese Research Station, Syowa, is situated in the bay in
the center of the image near 69S 39E. Part
of the land fast ice near Syowa collapsed in mid July.
Please click on the picture
for a full resolution image (1200*1200, ~1MB).
NOAA 15 IR Image on July 11 1999
at 03:49 GMT
In this image, the lasndfast
ice along the coast is clearly visible. The dark region along
the southern edge of the polynya is open water. Clouds are again
seen within the polynya region.
Please click on the picture
for a full resolution image (1200*1200, ~1MB).
NOAA 14 IR Image on July 18 1999
at 02:54 GMT
In
this image, the new ice along the southern esge of the polynya
is visible as well as the older ice to its west. Many leads and
floes are visible in the pack ice. There is a stream of clouds
leaving the polynya to the Northwest. This is evidence that moisture
from the polynya is being advected out over the pack ice.
Clouds that have their origin
over leads in the sea ice can also be seen the the east of the
polynya.
Please click on the picture
for a full resolution image (1200*1200, ~1MB).