The Characteristics of Spatiotemporal Variations in Arctic Amplification and Its Association With Sea Ice

Abstract Arctic amplification (AA) is a significant phenomenon in global climate change. However, current understanding of the AA pattern as well as the role of sea ice in modulating local feedback requires further refinement. This study investigated the spatial patterns of AA in the past and future and explored the role of sea ice in modulating AA and its local driving mechanisms. The results demonstrate that the intensity and spatial extent of AA peaked around the 2000s, followed by a gradual decline in subsequent decades. AA exhibits distinct geographical specificity, with marginal sea ice zones functioning as perennial amplification cores. These regions maintain active intensification during autumn and winter. There are strong correlations between the rapid decline of sea ice and AA. Fragmented ice acts as a catalyst, amplifying the trans‐seasonal release of the ocean energy mechanism. As sea ice continues to decline and ice‐free periods emerge in summer in the mid‐21st century, we found that the absence of sea ice as a mediator will gradually diminish the warming asymmetry between the Arctic and the globe, according to Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 future scenario projections. Meanwhile, the retreat of sea ice reduces the redistribution of energy, causing AA to become more uniform.