With clear skies over Wrangel island we can see the evolution of the Wrangel arm southernmost tip in two MODIS shots from September 4 to September 8 (contrast enhanced). There is a strong wind-driven drift (green line) evident by the translation of the floe circled, along many others.

However the agitation in this sea is fascinating. See the current and eddies that do not follow the general drift. The two red arrows closest to Wrangel ice indicate a dent formed by northward current during these four days. This dent has been seen forming, vanishing, and then reappearing since July.

Also see the three eddies that penetrate from open water in direction to the ice core. Four days later the extent around them is very much reduced.

These eddies in general are stretching and then folding the ice-covered area against the open water many times. This mixing lets the warm water reach and transfer heat to the ice continuously.

As soon as this stirring loses strength (when?) or warm water cools down, the overall melting will cease. But the DMI SST maps do not show much cooling yet.

