Figure 22. Ice drift through Fram Strait from December 11, 1995 to April 1, 1996. Derived from 23 reasonably cloud free NOAA-AVHRR thermal infrared images from DMI.

Figure 22 shows the result of an analysis of selected NOAA-AVHRR thermal infrared images from the Fram Strait. Individual ice floes were identified in two sequential AVHRR images approx. 5 days apart at a position of approximately 80N, 5W. The figure shows periods in January and February with extremely low drift velocities split by a period around February 1 with more normal drift speeds. A theory that the Odden ice advance in March-May was associated with an earlier blockage of the Fram Strait is supported by this analysis. With a typical drift speed down the East Greenland Current of 15 cm/s the transport time from 80N to the Odden area at 73N would be approximately 2 months. This means that the pulse of ice passing through Fram Strait around February 1 would be in the Odden area at the time of the advance around April 1.

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