Distribution of chlorophyll a and diatom in the sea ice of the Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Diatoms are major primary producers of microbial biomass in the Antarctica. They are found in the water and sea ice. The distribution, abundance of the ice diatoms and their relation to the environmental factors inside and outside the ice have been studied for its special role in the Antarctic Ocean ecology. In this paper we describe the abundance, distribution and composition of diatom assemblages in     

Competition within the marine microalgae over the polar dark period in the Greenland Sea of high Arctic

Abstract-With the onset of winter, polar marine microalgae would have faced total darkness for aperiod of up to 6 months. A natural autumn community of Arctic sea ice microalgae was collected fordark survival experiments from the Greenland Sea during the ARKTIS-XI/2 Expedition of RV Po-larstern in October 1995. After a dark period of 161 days, species dominance in the algal assemblagehave changed from initially pennate diatoms to small phytoflagellates (<20μm). Over the entire darkperiod, the mean algal growth rate was-0.01 d~(-1). Nearly all diatom species had negative growthrates, while phytoflagellate abundance increased. Resting spore formation during the dark period was ob-served in less than 4.5% of all cells and only for dinoflagellates and the diatom Chaetoceros spp. We as-sume that facultative heterotrophy and energy storage are the main processes enabling survival during thedark Arctic winter. After an increase in light intensity, microalgal cells reacted with fast growth withindays. Phytoffa     

2014年秋季渤海网采浮游植物群落结构

基于2014年秋季在渤海进行的水文、化学和生物方面的综合大面调查,研究了渤海网采浮游植物群落的结构特征,并结合文献资料,分析影响浮游植物群落结构形成的原因。结果显示:2014年渤海秋季共鉴定浮游植物3个门42属96种,其中以硅藻为主,为34属79种,占总物种的82%;甲藻门7属16种,占总物种的17%;金藻门1属1种。其中,角毛藻属的种类最多,共17种;其次为圆筛藻属,共13种。浮游植物总细胞丰度介于(0.71～72.15)×10⁴ cells/m³,平均为13.88×10⁴ cells/m³,硅藻与甲藻细胞丰度比值为2∶1,硅藻在莱州湾的细胞丰度极显著高于其他海区,甲藻在渤海中部海区的细胞丰度显著高于其他海区。浮游植物优势种主要为星脐圆筛藻(Coscinodiscus asteromphalus)、威氏圆筛藻(C. wailesii)、具槽帕拉藻(Paralia sulcata)、梭状角藻(Ceratium fusus)和夜光藻(Noctiluca scintillans)。渤海秋季浮游植物群落多...     

Observations of sea ice interannual variations and spring bloom occurrences at the Japanese scallop farming area in the Okhotsk Sea using satellite imageries

The dynamics of ice formation and phytoplankton bloom development in the coastal region of the Okhotsk Sea, Hokkaido, where the Japanese scallop, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, are cultured were investigated using seven years (1998–2004) satellite data from the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). The interannual variability of sea ice cover and timing of spring bloom occurrences were analyzed. Longer ice cover in 1999, 2001 and 2003 with the presence of ice until early April and shortened ice cover in 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004 with the occurrence of ice until early March were recognized at this area. Variability in the timing of sea ice retreat and development of spring blooms at the scallop areas were observed. Progression of a single ice edge bloom showed higher Chl-a concentration compared to development of an initial ice edge bloom followed by a later open water bloom. Higher concentration of phytoplankton biomass was observed in the initial bloom when sea ice melting is delayed compared to when the sea ice leaves earlier. Wind events were also observed to affect the occurrences of spring bloom.     

On the recent warming of the southeastern Bering Sea shelf

During the last decade, the southeastern Bering Sea shelf has undergone a warming of 3 °C that is closely associated with a marked decrease of sea ice over the area. This shift in the physical environment of the shelf can be attributed to a combination of mechanisms, including the presence over the eastern Bering Sea shelf of a relatively mild air mass during the winter, especially from 2000 to 2005; a shorter ice season caused by a later fall transition and/or an earlier spring transition; increased flow through Unimak Pass during winter, which introduces warm Gulf of Alaska water onto the southeastern shelf; and the feedback mechanism whereby warmer ocean temperatures during the summer delay the southward advection of sea ice during winter. While the relative importance of these four mechanisms is difficult to quantify, it is evident that for sea ice to form, cold arctic winds must cool the water column. Sea ice is then formed in the polynyas during periods of cold north winds, and this ice is advected southward over the eastern shelf. The other three mechanisms can modify ice formation and melt, and hence its extent. In combination, these four mechanisms have served to temporally and spatially limit ice during the 5-year period (2001–2005). Warming of the eastern Bering Sea shelf could have profound influences on the ecosystem of the Bering Sea—from modification of the timing of the spring phytoplankton bloom to the northward advance of subarctic species and the northward retreat of arctic species.     

Abundance,biomass and composition of the sea ice biota of the Greenland Sea pack ice

During two cruises to the Greenland Sea, we studied the abundance and biomass of the sea ice biota in summer and late autumn. The mean calculated biomass of the sympagic community was 0.2 g C m⁻² ice. Algae contributed on average 43% to total biomass, followed by bacteria (31%), heterotrophic flagellates (20%), and meiofauna (4%). Diatoms were the main primary producers (60% of total algal biomass), but flagellated cells contributed significantly to the algal biomass. Among the meiofauna, ciliates, nematodes, acoel turbellarians and crustaceans were dominant. Calculated potential ingestion rates of meiofauna (0.6 g C m⁻² (120 d)⁻¹) are on the same order of magnitude as annual primary production estimates for Arctic multi-year sea ice. We therefore assume that grazing can control biomass accumulation of primary producers inside the sea ice.     

Distribution and Adaptations of Sea Ice Inhabiting Harpacticoida (Crustacea, Copepoda) of the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)

Abstract. Seven harpacticoid species were found to be associated with sea ice collected during 5 Antarctic cruises of the RV Polarstern. Their distribution within the fast ice and pack ice zones of the Weddell Sea is presented. Whereas some individuals probably become entrapped into the ice only accidentally, at least 4 species arc genuinely sympagic. These have evolved remarkable adaptations, as evidenced by field and laboratory studies of Dresclieriella glacialis , which is by far the most abundant. Such adaptations include: the ability to penetrate deep into ice; a comparatively high salinity tolerance allowing it to endure large salinity fluctuations associated with ice crystal formation and melting; good swimming ability, necessary both for horizontal dispersal and for a planktonic intermezzo after annual melting of the sea ice. D. glacialis is the first polar non-vertebrate mctazoan to be cultivated through its entire life cycle. Its life history suggests an r-stratcgy; this would be the first indication of such a trait in the polar environment. A new species of Drescheriella , on the other hand, exhibits resting stages (C IV-V) known to date only for Calanoidu but not reported for Harpacticoida.     

Effects of regional climate changes on the planktonic ecosystem and water environment in the frozen Notoro Lagoon,northern Japan

Diatom fossils from core sediments and living diatoms from water samples of Notoro Lagoon in northern Japan were examined to evaluate natural climate effects on lagoon environmental changes. In 1974, the artificial inlet was excavated. Immediately after, the anoxic bottom water in Notoro Lagoon began to disappear due to an increasing water exchange rate. However, chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the bottom water of Notoro Lagoon gradually increased, with fluctuations, during the last 30 years. In addition, the dominant diatom assemblages in Notoro Lagoon shifted to ice-related and spring bloom taxa after the excavation. The dominant taxa of each year in the sediment core were also strongly related to the timing of lagoon ice melting. This is because the COD in Notoro Lagoon was affected by the deposited volume of blooming diatoms, which was controlled by the duration of ice cover and the timing of ice discharge to the Okhotsk Sea likely due to an air pressure pattern change over the northern North Pacific like the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO).     

Paleoenvironment changes in the NW Okhotsk Sea for the last 18 kyr determined with micropaleontological,geochemical, and lithological data

Lithological, geochemical, and micropaleontological data indicate that the Late Glacial of the northwestern Okhotsk Sea (OS) is characterised by severe climatic and environmental conditions with mainly perennial sea ice coverage and low productivity accompanied by weak deep-water ventilation and a temperate formation of the upper Sea of Okhotsk Intermediate Water (SOIW). The age model of the studied core sediments was constructed by AMS ¹⁴C dating. The most severe environmental conditions occurred during the period 15.8–14.8 kyr, synchronous with cold Heinrich event 1. Insignificant regional environmental amelioration accompanied by an increase of productivity and ice weakening during summer occurred almost simultaneously with the Bølling–Allerøed (BA) warming. The obtained results distinguished both the Bølling and Allerøed warmings as having different environmental conditions. Oxygen content in the surface sediment was low, as seen from the production of the benthic foraminifera (BF) species. During 12.6–11.1 kyr, synchronous with the Younger Dryas (YD) cold event, the regional environment conditions were cold, but not as severe as the glacial ones. Some climatic warming since the Preboreal has stimulated sea ice melting and surface amelioration during the summer season, which in turn led to a productivity rise and changes in the water column and bottom environment. Some increase in the surface water stratification and the intensified oceanic diatom and surface radiolarian production is parallel with the development of a mesopelagic regime of productivity. The surface sediment condition favours BF abundance and domination by BF species tolerant to oxygen deficiencies. During the Boreal period more stable surface conditions were accompanied by continuously high productivity and an intensifying of its mesopelagic regime.Significant regional climate warming since the Atlantic (9 kyr ago) strongly intensified the summer sea ice melting in the OS, and this created considerable surface environment amelioration with the preferential transport of bacteria and phytodetritus into the SOIW. Further considerable warming of the regional climate from 6 kyr ago contributed to slight sea ice changes, surface water warming, and the enhancement of its stratification; all typical for most of the OS. Along with a high nutrient supply from the Amur River, the NW OS experienced a strong diatom production increase with the maximum amount occurring during the last 3.6 kyr. This changed the productivity type and organic matter export into the water column while increasing the feeding of the “productive” Plagoniidae spp. group and decreasing the microbial biomass supply into the upper SOIW. Some sea surface water cooling or saltier conditions at the beginning of the Subatlantic (2.4–1.8 kyr) was followed by its warming or freshening 1.5–1.0 kyr ago, which likely correlated with the Medieval Warm Period. In turn, that probably led to strong surface water stratification, productivity deterioration and considerable changes in the overall NW OS environment. The established sequence of the northwestern OS environmental changes during the Late Glacial–Holocene is related to the Northern Hemispheric climate changes and was likely forced by atmospheric teleconnection in line with the polar circulation index variability.     

2010年西北冰洋浮游植物区域差异与环境关系

Global warming has caused Arctic sea ice to rapidly retreat,which is affecting phytoplankton,the primary producers at the base of the food chain,as well as the entire ecosystem.However,few studies with large spatial scales related to the Arctic Basin at high latitude have been conducted.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in phytoplankton community structure and ice conditions.Fifty surface and 41 vertically stratified water samples from the western Arctic Ocean(67.0°–88°26′N,152°–178°54′W) were collected by the Chinese icebreaker R/V Xuelong from July 20 to August 30,2010 during China's fourth Arctic expedition.Using these samples,the species composition,spatial distribution,and regional disparities of phytoplankton during different stages of ice melt were assessed.A total of 157 phytoplankton taxa(5 μm) belonging to 69 genera were identified in the study area.The most abundant species were Navicula pelagica and Thalassiosira nordenskioeldii,accounting for 31.23% and 14.12% of the total phytoplankton abundance,respectively.The average abundance during the departure trip and the return trip were 797.07×10~2 cells/L and 84.94×10~2 cells/L,respectively.The highest abundance was observed at Sta.R09 in the north of Herald Shoal,where Navicula pelagica was the dominant species accounting for 59.42% of the abundance.The vertical distribution of phytoplankton abundance displayed regional differences,and the maximum abundances were confined to the lower layers of the euphotic zone near the layers of the halocline,thermocline,and nutricline.The species abundance of phytoplankton decreased from the low-latitude shelf to the high-latitude basin on both the departure and return trips.The phytoplankton community structure in the shallow continental shelf changed markedly during different stages of ice melt,and there was shift in dominant species from centric to pennate diatoms.Results of canonical correspondence analysis(CCA) showed that there were two distinct communities of phytoplankton in the western Arctic Ocean,and water temperature,ice coverage and silicate concentration were the most important environmental factors affecting phytoplankton distribution in the surveyed sea.These findings will help predict the responses of phytoplankton to the rapid melting of Arctic sea ice.     

北极巴伦支海和拉普捷夫海海冰中细菌和微藻的垂直分布

通过计算机图像测定系统测定、计算获得海冰细菌的大小、面积和碳含量,研究了北极巴伦支海和拉普捷夫海的浮冰中细菌大小、丰度和生物量的垂直分布及其与海冰微藻生物量的关系.细菌在冰心中是非均匀分布的,至少有两种不同分布类型:第一类有单一的丰度峰值,在冰心底部或在冰心中部;第二类有两个丰度峰值.海冰中细菌的丰度为0.4×105～36.7×105个/cm3.不同类型海冰中的细菌大小变化极大,在多年冰中,最大的细菌与叶绿素a最大值出现在同一层,而在一年冰中,细菌大小几乎没有垂直变化.整柱冰心的细菌生物量变化为19.2～79.2mg/cm2,细菌与海冰微藻生物量之比为0.43～10.00.对固定冰比较和研究的结果发现,海冰冰心中细菌大小、丰度和生物量的垂直分布差别极大.据此,分析了对目前海冰研究采样方法的局限性,并提出了规范采样方法的设想.     

Biodiversity and community structural characteristics of macrobenthos in the Chukchi Sea

Field sampling of the macrobenthos from 23 stations in the Chukchi Sea was conducted during the 4th CHINARE(Chinese National Arctic Research Expeditions, July–August, 2010). We identified a total of 140 species of macrozoobenthos belonging to nine phyla, which were dominated by polychaetes(66), crustaceans(30), and mollusks(25), followed by echinoderms(9) and others(ten others, including four cnidarians, one oligochaete, one sipuncula, one priapulida, two bryozoans, and one urochordata). The dominant species were Aphelochaeta pacifica, Heteromastus filiformis, Nephtys ciliata, Nephtys caeca, Scoletoma fragilis, Golfingia margaritacea, Nuculana pernula, Macoma calcarea, Ennucula tenuis, Macoma inquinata, Musculus discors, Echinarachnius parma, and Ophiura sarsii, so there were more cold-eurythermal boreal immigrants than truly Arctic species(endemics). The average density and biomass(mean ± SD across all stations) of the total macrozoobenthos were(916 ± 907) ind/m2 and(902.9 ± 1 227.7) g/m2(wet weight), respectively. Relatively high density and biomass were observed in the samples from the northeastern and southern Chukchi Sea. The spatial variation of benthic communities in the study sea area was relatively large; this spatial heterogeneity has led to high diversity and a patchy distribution pattern in the community structure. Compared to the 1st CHINARE( July–August, 1999), this investigation revealed different degrees of decreases in the average taxa numbers and the average density, abundance, and biodiversity in the area over the recent decade, which might be associated with global warming, human activities, and sea ice variations.     

西伯利亚极地海域表层沉积硅藻分布特征及其与海洋环境变量的相关性研究

北冰洋西伯利亚陆架海是北极气候快速变化最为显著的海域之一,而沉积硅藻作为极地海洋生态系统的重要组成部分,对环境变化具有敏感的响应。对楚科奇海、东西伯利亚海和拉普捷夫海表层沉积物开展了硅藻组成鉴定,利用典型对应分析方法分析了硅藻属种与1986～2015年环境变量之间的关系。结果表明,夏季和秋季海冰密集度、表层海水盐度是影响研究区表层硅藻分布特征最主要的因素。此外,根据表层站位与环境变量的典型对应分析,可将西伯利亚极地海域划分为4个区域,分别为海冰硅藻组合带、暖水硅藻组合带、沿岸硅藻组合带和混合硅藻组合带。这些表层站位的分区与相应区域的海流模式有明显的相关性,海冰硅藻组合带仅分布于研究区北部的高纬度地区;暖水硅藻组合带位于受白令水和太平洋海水的分支——阿拉斯加沿岸水影响为主的区域;拉普捷夫海南部的沿岸硅藻组合带则受到河流径流和西伯利亚沿岸流的强烈影响;混合硅藻组合带受极地冷水、海冰覆盖、太平洋暖水和陆地径流的共同影响。     

Phosphates and silicates in sea ice of the high-latitudinal Arctic: Data of the North Pole-34 drifting ice station

The dynamics of phosphates and silicates in sea ice of the high-latitudinal Arctic are considered for the period from November 2005 to May 2006. It is shown that, during the ice formation, silicates are included into it in the same ratio to the salinity that is characteristic of the under-ice water. The further dynamics of silicates are determined by their bioassimilation with the beginning of the polar day and by the biogenic silicon accumulation at the bottom meltwater pools with subsequent leaching. Phosphates are included into ice in a ratio higher than that occurring in the under-ice water. This is caused by the fact that the liquid phase of sea ice represents the composition of the surface microlayer (SML) at the ice-water interface, which is enriched in organic matter and in the products of its destruction (particularly, in phosphates). With the onset of the polar day, the content of phosphates first markedly increases (due to the photo oxidation of biogenic organic matter) and then decreases because of bioassimilation. At the beginning of the polar day, the primary production of diatoms was estimated to be ～0.3 mg C/m² day.     

Diatoms and aquatic palynomorphs in surface sediments of the White Sea bays as indicators of sedimentation in marginal filters of rivers

Diatom algae, aquatic palynomorphs, and the grain-size of surface sediments from bays of the White Sea were investigated in a program dedicated to the study of marginal filters (MF) in the Severnaya Dvina, Onega, and Kem rivers. Three microalgal assemblages are established in surface sediments, which replace each other successively with distance from river mouths and are characterized by a gradual decrease in a share of freshwater species of diatoms and Chlorophyceae algae, significantly varying concentrations of marine diatoms and dinocysts due to changes in water salinity, grain-size composition of sediments, quantitative distribution of suspended particulate matter (SPM), and water productivity at different marginal filter stages.     

南黄海近岸海域初夏浮游动物的群落特征

采用2016年7月和2017年6—7月在南黄海近岸海域获取的浮游动物样品,研究了种类组成、丰度、生物量、优势种和生物多样性的变化,并分析其与环境因子的相关性关系。结果显示,两个航次的温盐及浮游动物群落特征差异较大。2016年7月表层平均温度为(22.8±1.8)℃,表层平均盐度为30.0±1.6; 2017年6—7月表层平均温度为(25.7±3.6)℃,表层平均盐度为(27.8±4.3)℃。2016年浮游动物的种类数为70种(含浮游幼虫24类), 2017年种类数为56种(含浮游幼虫18类)。2016年浮游动物平均丰度(4 838.2±5 186.7 ind·m^–3)和平均湿重生物量(324.9±481.5mg·m^–3)均高于2017年(2652.4±3 507.5 ind·m^–3, 216.6±245.2 mg·m^–3)。两个航次共同的优势种为小拟哲水蚤(Paracalanus parvus)、近缘大眼剑水蚤(Corycaeus affinis)和双毛纺锤水蚤(Acartia bifilosa)。...     

秦山核电站邻近海域生态环境长期变化

为探究水交换良好海区的滨海核电厂运行对海洋生态环境的长期影响,文章选取秦山核电站为研究对象,利用1989年和1990年、1995年和1996年、2010年和2012年邻近海域叶绿素a、浮游植物、浮游动物、底栖动物调查资料,以及1985年、2010年和2012年潮间带生物调查资料,对比研究发现,邻近海域营养盐增加明显,夏、秋季水温和沉积物有机碳含量略有升高;浮游植物密度增加明显,小型硅藻（具槽帕拉藻和弓束圆筛藻小型变种）占比呈上升趋势;大中型浮游动物春季丰度和生物量下降;大型底栖动物物种数、生物量和栖息密度均升高,钩虾在优势种中占比增加;潮间带生物密度和生物量上升。分析认为,营养盐浓度升高是藻类密度增加的主要诱因;沉积物有机质增加是底栖生物和潮间带生物增加的主要诱因;温排水潜在影响是促进琼氏圆筛藻等暖水种增殖,增加小型硅藻占比,引起浮游动物个体变小,使大中型浮游动物数量下降。由此可见,即使在水交换条件良好的海域,电厂温排水的长期生态影响也应关注。     

荣成靖海湾海参养殖池塘初级生产力季节变化特征

2007年5月~2007年11月调查了山东荣成靖海湾海参养殖池塘水体中浮游植物种类组成、生物量、叶绿素含量变化以及底泥沉积物中叶绿素和脱镁叶绿素含量的变化.结果表明,海参养殖池塘水体中浮游植物共有7门,44属,62种,主要以硅藻为主.水体中浮游植物平均生物量1号池塘为17.52×10~4 /L;2号池塘为18.30×10~4 /L.水体叶绿素含量变化范围:1号池塘为1.38～5.00 μg/L;2号池塘为0.98～5.45 μg/L.池塘沉积物中叶绿素含量变化范围:1号池塘为0.66～1.67 μg/g,2号池塘为0.56～1.34 μg/g.池塘沉积物中脱镁叶绿素含量变化范围:1号池塘为2.97～5.63 μg/g;2号池塘为2.90～6.36 μg/g.1号池塘和2号池塘的浮游植物群落结构及叶绿素含量没有显著性差异(P>0.05).叶绿素,脱镁叶绿素变化趋势较为一致.海参夏眠期间,沉积物中叶绿素及脱镁叶绿素含量最高,为海参结束夏眠进入摄食提供食物储备.研究结果表明,靖海湾海参养殖池塘浮游植物以硅藻为主,养殖池塘水体浮游植物生物量较低,多样性指数较高,增加浮游植物沉降速率,增加养殖系统初级生产力可为海参提供更多食物.     

Species composition,abundance and biomass of microphytoplankton in the KwaZulu-Natal Bight on the east coast of South Africa

Nearshore marine environments are influenced by an array of variables that can either be land-derived or of marine origin, and nearshore phytoplankton communities may differ in their taxonomic composition and biomass in response to such variables. The KwaZulu-Natal Bight (hereafter referred to as ‘the bight’) is an oligo-mesotrophic, nearshore oceanic environment, that is influenced by both terrestrial run-off and upwelling. A microphytoplankton survey of the bight conducted over several stations and depths and two seasons was conducted in order to ascertain species composition, abundance and biomass. Microphytoplankton abundance was generally low (a maximum of 180 000 cells l–1 was recorded) but differed considerably between sites and seasons. A total of 99 taxa of mainly Bacillariophyceae and some Dinophyceae, Prymnesiophyceae and Cyanophyceae were identified in the present study. In the central bight, higher abundance and biomass were measured in February (wet season), which may be a possible consequence of terrestrial nutrient inputs. In the northern and southern bight we measured higher abundance and biomass in August (dry season). Upwelling was not detected during the study, but an influence of terrestrial nutrient sources was detected at the coastal stations. Turbid conditions were specific to the site near the Thukela River mouth and possibly influenced abundance, biomass and species composition at this site. Historic data on microphytoplankton composition are scarce, but comparisons with surveys from the 1960s reveal that around 60% of the common diatoms recorded then also occurred in the present study. Small taxa [20–200 µm] dominated the microphytoplankton community. Community composition was fairly uniform throughout the bight in both seasons, dominated in general by Chaetoceros species, and on occasion co-dominated by Thalassionema nitzschioides and Dactyliosolen fragilissimus.     

Geophysics of sea ice in the Baltic Sea: A review

With improved observation methods, increased winter navigation, and increased awareness of the climate and environmental changes, research on the Baltic Sea ice conditions has become increasingly active. Sea ice has been recognized as a sensitive indicator for changes in climate. Although the inter-annual variability in the ice conditions is large, a change towards milder ice winters has been detected from the time series of the maximum annual extent of sea ice and the length of the ice season. On the basis of the ice extent, the shift towards a warmer climate took place in the latter half of the 19th century. On the other hand, data on the ice thickness, which are mostly limited to the land-fast ice zone, basically do not show clear trends during the 20th century, except that during the last 20 years the thickness of land-fast ice has decreased. Due to difficulties in measuring the pack-ice thickness, the total mass of sea ice in the Baltic Sea is, however, still poorly known. The ice extent and length of the ice season depend on the indices of the Arctic Oscillation and North Atlantic Oscillation. Sea ice dynamics, thermodynamics, structure, and properties strongly interact with each other, as well as with the atmosphere and the sea. The surface conditions over the ice-covered Baltic Sea show high spatial variability, which cannot be described by two surface types (such as ice and open water) only. The variability is strongly reflected to the radiative and turbulent surface fluxes. The Baltic Sea has served as a testbed for several developments in the theory of sea ice dynamics. Experiences with advanced models have increased our understanding on sea ice dynamics, which depends on the ice thickness distribution, and in turn redistributes the ice thickness. During the latest decade, advance has been made in studies on sea ice structure, surface albedo, penetration of solar radiation, sub-surface melting, and formation of superimposed ice and snow ice. A high vertical resolution has been found as a prerequisite to successfully model thermodynamic processes during the spring melt period. A few observations have demonstrated how the river discharge and ice melt affect the stratification of the oceanic boundary layer below the ice and the oceanic heat flux to the ice bottom. In general, process studies on ice–ocean interaction have been rare. In the future, increasingly multidisciplinary studies are needed with close links between sea ice physics, geochemistry and biology.