Sea ice is a vital part of the Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. The motion of sea ice is important for understanding how these ecosystems are evolving, as well as for helping ships safely navigate polar waters. Currents and wind are the major drivers of sea ice motion, though processes within the ice itself can also contribute to motion.

Sea ice movement can contribute to melting as the ice drifts into warmer waters. Additionally, the thickness of the ice can affect its speed—the ease with which thinner ice expands and contracts can cause it to move faster, but very thin ice has less internal stress and moves mainly due to external factors. Because of this, the melting of sea ice due to global warming can have complicated effects on sea ice motion.

NASA’s Earth data products useful to the study of sea ice motion include sea ice imagery, sea ice drift grids, and ocean wind, wave, and current data. These products help scientists better understand ocean processes, sea ice stress, global warming, polar ecosystems, and water cycles.