Figure 4. From NSIDC MAISE, 2011 (right) had almost exactly the same amount of ice cover at 21 May as did 2015 (left), according to CIS chart, Fig. 6. (below). However, the ice was distributed differently. There was an extensive wide shore lead along eastern Hudson Bay in 2011 that extended into James Bay – we are seeing none of that open water this year at this date (see also Fig.1). Despite the large patch of open water in NW Hudson Bay, there is also very little open water in Hudson Strait this year – much less than there was in 2011, which was an earlier breakup year.
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