Arctic death spiral

The Arctic Ocean occupies 14.1 million square kilometers (5.4 million sq mi) around Earth's North Pole. Historically, most of the surface of the Arctic Ocean stayed ice-covered year-round. Close this core of year-round ice was an edge of seasonal ice that froze each winter and melted each summer. The Arctic ice mass gets its maximum extent in March and its minimum extent in September.

According to a preliminary report from the National Snow and Ice Data Center on September 16, 2021, sea ice cover seemed to get its annual summer minimum. The extent of the Arctic Ocean where sea ice concentration was at least 15% was 4.72 million square kilometers (1.82 million sq mi). That's the twelfth-smallest summer minimum on record and 1.5 million square kilometers (579 thousand sq mi) below the 1981-2010 average.

arcticdeathspiral.org created amazing visualization of how to dissolve ice sheet in the Arctic ocean.

As Arctic sea ice vanishes, the following feedback effects have already begun and presumably clarify why the Arctic is warming at about twice the global average rate:

- less sunlight is reflected; as a result, the Arctic warms more rapid

- methane locked in the Arctic seabed and neighboring tundra for thousands of years is fleeing: just a tiny fraction of the evaluated deposits would cause 0.5°C of extra warming; a more significant release could lead to a rise of 6-8°C

- more open ocean means more huge waves, slowing and decreasing the formation of the following year's ice

- the sea channels out of the Arctic spend less of the year blocked by ice, letting more ice float away

- shrinking Arctic ice weakens a pivotal driver for ocean currents and restricts the rate at which dissolved CO₂ is pulled into the deep ocean

Even if we prevent further greenhouse gas emissions and stabilize atmospheric CO₂ at present levels, this feedbacks mean Arctic sea ice will continue to retreat, and the global climate will continue to warm.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Comments

Find cities with similar climate

This map has been created using The Global environmental stratification. The Global environmental stratification (GEnS), based on statistical clustering of bioclimate data (WorldClim). GEnS, consists of 125 strata, which have been aggregated into 18 global environmental zones (labeled A to R) based on the dendrogram. Interactive map >> Via www.vividmaps.com Related posts: - Find cities with similar climate 2050 - How global warming will impact 6000+ cities around the world?

Moose population in North America

The moose ( Alces alces ) is the largest member of the deer family, characterized by its massive size, long legs, and distinctive broad, palmate antlers found in males. They have a dark brown or black coat and a humped shoulder. Moose are primarily found in the boreal and mixed deciduous forests of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are solitary animals, often found near bodies of water, and are herbivores that feed on leaves, bark, twigs, and aquatic vegetation. Despite their size, moose are strong swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour. The moose population in North America is shrinking swiftly. This decrease has been correlated to the opening of roadways and landscapes into this animal's north range. In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada and Alaska, the northern part of New England and New York, the upper Rocky Mountains, northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Isle Royale. In 2014-2015, the North Americ...

Map of Fox Species Distribution

Foxes are small to medium-sized members of the Canidae family, which also includes wolves, dogs, and other related animals. There are about 37 species of foxes distributed around the world, and they inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban areas. Below is the map of fox species distribution created by Reddit user isaacSW Here are some of the most well-known fox species and their distribution: Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ): The red fox is one of the most widely distributed fox species and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. They are adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and urban areas. Arctic Fox ( Vulpes lagopus ): The Arctic fox is found in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. They have adaptations that help them survive in cold climates, such as a thick coat that changes color with the seasons. Gray Fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ): The gray ...

Ecoclimax

Search This Blog