The Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

2027 Xiamen Symposium on Marine Environmental Sciences

January 12-15, 2027

Significance of Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies to Arctic sea ice variability revealed by deep learning
ID:822 Oral Presentation

2027-01-13 08:45 (China Standard Time)

Session:Session 32 - AI for Ocean Dynamics: advancements, discoveries and challenges

Abstract
Arctic sea ice has undergone dramatic changes over the past four decades, leading to far-reaching climate impacts. Anomalous sea surface temperature (SST) in the extra-polar oceans is recognized as one of the principal drivers of Arctic sea ice variability. However, the relative importance of SST anomalies across different ocean basins remains uncertain. Here, we employ a deep neural network (DNN) model to reconstruct Arctic sea ice extent (SIE) variability independently using the observational daily SST anomaly fields in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. We find that the Atlantic SSTbased DNN produces the best and most stable reconstruction of Arctic SIE, a result that cannot be achieved by a linear regression model. In particular, based on explainable AI techniques, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf Stream are identified as key regions where SST variability has the most pronounced influence on Arctic SIE. The superiority of DNN over the regression model in SIE reconstruction elucidates the integral role of Atlantic SST interannual variability in modulating Arctic sea ice, likely through the SST-driven latent heat flux anomalies in those key regions. These findings highlight the importance of interannual Atlantic SST variations to Arctic sea ice variability, underpinned by the ability of DNN to capture their complex teleconnections.
Speaker
Yanqin Li Ocean University of China

Author
Yanqin Li Ocean University of China

    Important Dates

    • Jan 30

      2026

      Session / Event proposals open

    • Mar 31

      2026

      Session / Event proposals close
      (Extended to April 7)

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Session acceptance notifications

    • Apr 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions & registration open

    • Jun 30

      2026

      Abstract submissions close
      (Extended to July 21)

    • Aug 31

      2026

      Abstract acceptance notifications

    • Sep 15

      2026

      Scientific program released

    • Oct 15

      2026

      Early bird registration closes

    • Jan 12–15

      2027

      XMAS 2027