Halo of low ice concentration observed over the Maud Rise seamount

A distinctive halo of low sea ice concentration has been observed above the Maud Rise seamount in the eastern Weddell Sea. The 300-km circular halo is seen most clearly in the monthly mean ice concentration for the months July through November. The mean was computed from satellite-based passive microwave measurements over a 23-year period. The halo is most distinct in October; even then, however, the mean ice concentration in the halo is just 10% less than in the center, where it is very near 100%. The halo may reflect the existence of a Taylor cap circulation over the seamount or other topographically induced mechanisms.