Formation and Arrival of Drift Ice
(standby screen)
Around November
The sea water begins to freeze along the coastline of the Siberian continent around November.
Mid January
The area of the sea ice expands southward as the temperature falls. By mid January, sea water off the shoreline of Hokkaido also begins to freeze.
Early February
Drift ice comes to the Abashiri coastline between late January and early February.
Early March
When the month of March begins, the area of drift ice reaches its maximum. Approximately 80% of the Sea of Okhotsk is filled with drift ice.
Mid March
In mid March, spring comes to the Sea of Okhotsk. Drift ice begins melting on the southern edge.
Early May
Drift ice keeps melting and breaking and is washed away due to warmer temperatures and waves. It eventually disappears by the end of June.