Tag

Sea Ice

All articles tagged with #sea ice

Arctic bears adapt: Svalbard polar bears stay healthy despite melting ice
science27 days ago

Arctic bears adapt: Svalbard polar bears stay healthy despite melting ice

A Scientific Reports study of hundreds of Svalbard polar bears finds their body condition improved from 2000 to 2019 even as sea ice declined, suggesting dietary adaptation (more ringed seals and land prey like reindeer, plus scavenging) and regional variability among roughly 20 populations; while other regions like Western Hudson Bay show declines, climate change remains a major threat, and polar bears are not doomed everywhere.

Scientists warn of irreversible Antarctic changes and potential catastrophe
science2 months ago

Scientists warn of irreversible Antarctic changes and potential catastrophe

Australian scientists warn that Antarctica is experiencing rapid, irreversible climate changes, including shrinking sea ice, weakening ocean currents, and destabilizing ice sheets, driven by global warming. These changes threaten global sea levels and ecosystems, emphasizing the urgent need for deep emission cuts this decade to prevent irreversible damage.

Massive Antarctic Sea Ice Hole Unveils Hidden Force
science2 months ago

Massive Antarctic Sea Ice Hole Unveils Hidden Force

A massive hole in Antarctic sea ice, known as a polynya, was caused by complex interactions between wind, ocean currents, and salinity, revealing how localized ocean processes can have significant impacts on global climate and ocean circulation. The event, driven by Ekman-driven salt transport and deep convection, highlights the changing dynamics of the Southern Ocean in the context of climate change, with potential implications for heat and carbon exchange.

Arctic Changes Threaten Global Climate Stability
environment6 months ago

Arctic Changes Threaten Global Climate Stability

A study published in Nature Climate Change reveals significant shifts in Antarctic phytoplankton communities over nearly three decades, driven by reduced sea ice and iron availability, leading to a decline in diatoms crucial for carbon sequestration. These changes threaten to disrupt the marine food web and accelerate global climate change by decreasing the ocean's ability to store carbon, highlighting the importance of long-term data collection in understanding climate impacts.

Southward Shift in Ocean Circulation and Its Climate Impact
science7 months ago

Southward Shift in Ocean Circulation and Its Climate Impact

Recent measurements suggest a reversal in the salinity trend in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica, shifting from freshening to increased salinity, which complicates understanding of regional climate processes. While these changes are not large, they provide important clues about the complex interactions between sea ice, ocean circulation, and climate factors. The region's climate system is highly dynamic and challenging to model accurately, requiring integrated observations and advanced models to better predict future changes.

Rising Ocean Salinity Near Antarctica Threatens Sea Ice and Climate Stability
environment7 months ago

Rising Ocean Salinity Near Antarctica Threatens Sea Ice and Climate Stability

The Southern Ocean around Antarctica is becoming saltier and losing sea ice at an unprecedented rate, driven by a surprising feedback loop where increased salinity causes heat to rise from the depths, melting ice and further accelerating climate change impacts globally. This rapid change threatens ecosystems, sea levels, and weather patterns, highlighting the urgent need for continued monitoring and updated climate models.

Antarctic Ice Decline Accelerates Amid Rising Ocean Salinity and US Data Sharing Halt
environment7 months ago

Antarctic Ice Decline Accelerates Amid Rising Ocean Salinity and US Data Sharing Halt

Scientists warn that the US Department of Defense's decision to stop sharing satellite data on sea ice could hinder global efforts to monitor climate change impacts, especially in Antarctica where record low sea ice levels are accelerating ice shelf calving and potential sea level rise, with broader ecological consequences.

Antarctic Ice Melting Accelerates Amid Unusual Patterns and Risks
environment1 year ago

Antarctic Ice Melting Accelerates Amid Unusual Patterns and Risks

Scientists are alarmed by the second-lowest recorded Antarctic sea ice winter maximum, with only 6.6 million square miles covered, continuing a decade-long trend of decreasing ice. This phenomenon, potentially indicating a new state for Southern Ocean sea ice, is attributed to warm near-surface ocean temperatures rather than just rising air temperatures. While some experts caution against immediately linking this to global warming, the pattern aligns with the broader trend of rising global temperatures driven by fossil fuel use.