Sea Ice Analysis and Polar Bear Vulnerability

To investigate changing sea ice conditions and their potential impact on polar bear habitats, I analyzed satellite imagery using ENVI to classify different sea ice types and better visualize the distribution of ice across the study area. Building on this classification, I used ENVI along with additional remote sensing software to identify seasonal patterns by determining the timing of sea ice breakup and freeze-up. These temporal patterns allowed the sea ice to be further classified based on the duration and stability of ice coverage throughout the year. To clearly present the spatial patterns identified in the analysis, I digitized key features and mapped the results in ArcGIS, outlining areas where ice conditions were changing most significantly. The final analysis highlighted reductions in sea ice coverage and helped evaluate how these changes may increase vulnerability for polar bear populations that depend on stable sea ice for survival.