Abstract Solar radiation is the key energy input to the ocean. In the Arctic Ocean and its peripheral seas, the distribution of solar radiation is strongly modulated by the presence of sea ice. In this study, we combined satellite and model products to investigate solar radiation partitioning between reflection to the atmosphere, absorption in the ice, and transmission to the ocean over 1984–2024. We present total annual solar heat partitioning, relative contributions to energy deposition from ice and open water, and trends in large‐scale partitioning. The Arctic exhibited a decreasing trend in albedo (0.019 decade−1) due to decreasing sea ice areal coverage and thickness. Consequently, solar transmittance into the ocean increased by 0.031 decade−1, resulting in an additional ∼300 MJ m−2 of heat input over 1984–2024. A brighter, warmer ocean contributes to Arctic Amplification and may alter the functioning of the Arctic marine ecosystem.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: April 07, 2026 04:43 PM
Atmospheric CO₂
431.7 ppm
+18.3
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1945.85 ppb
+8.44
ppb/year
Global Temperature
+1.48 °C
Peak: +1.73°C
World Population
8.1 billion
+67
million/year