Sea ice in Marguerite Bay, Antarctica

The setting sun and clouds are reflected in the still water, interrupted by sea ice floes. Despite the ice being more reflective (having a higher albedo) than the water, its surface is rougher, resulting in the reflected light being more scattered and the mirror effect being lost. Such differences in surface properties make sea ice the dominant control on air-sea exchange processes in the polar oceans. These exchange processes exert a significant influence on the weather and climate of the mid to high latitudes; on ocean circulation and deep water formation; and on the extent, thickness and transport of sea ice.