Scientific studies have recently shed light on a phenomenon known as Arctic Amplification, illustrating that this region is undergoing rapid changes. These changes, unfortunately, may not be accurately predicted by existing climate models.
Understanding Arctic Amplification
Arctic Amplification is a case of polar amplification where there is a larger temperature difference near the north and south poles compared to the rest of the world. This is due to alterations in the Earth’s atmosphere, primarily driven by an increase in greenhouse gases. Highlighting this issue, recent studies indicated that the Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the world with the highest increase in temperatures recorded around the Barents Sea, located north of Russia and Norway.
These studies also noted worrying trends where the average annual temperature in the Arctic increased by 3.1 degree Celsius compared to just 1 degree Celsius for the planet as a whole. Arctic amplification results from several factors, including the ice-albedo feedback, lapse rate feedback, water vapour feedback, and ocean heat transport.
Causes of Arctic Amplification
The primary culprits behind Arctic Amplification are a combination of factors. The ice-albedo feedback pertains to the high reflectivity of sea ice and snow, which allows them to reflect most of the solar radiation, unlike water and land. However, as the sea ice melts, the Arctic Ocean absorbs more solar radiation, fueling the amplification process. The decrease in the rate at which temperature drops with elevation or lapse rate also contributes to this phenomenon.
Implications of Arctic Warming
One significant consequence of Arctic warming is the thinning of the Greenland Ice Sheet leading to a dramatic reduction in sea ice accumulation since 2000. Extreme summer temperatures have resulted in melting rates of 6 billion tonnes of ice sheet per day, contributing to rising sea levels. The Greenland ice sheet, which holds the second largest amount of ice after Antarctica, is vital for maintaining sea level stability.
Another alarming consequence noted was a negative impact on biodiversity. Climate change in the Arctic region is affecting marine species and dependent species. The thawing of permafrost is also of great concern as it results in the release of carbon and methane, potent greenhouse gases that contribute significantly to global warming.
Effects on India
The changes in the Arctic region have important implications for countries like India. Scientists have explored the potential impact of these changes on Indian monsoons, and a study published in 2021 indicated that reduced sea ice in the Barents-Kara Sea region could trigger extreme rainfall events during the latter half of the monsoons.
Rising sea levels along the Indian coast, faster than the global average rate, have been attributed to the melting of sea ice in polar regions, particularly the Arctic. This scenario has raised alarm over the potential submersion of island nations and coastal cities if the situation is not promptly addressed.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Perspective
In previous years, the UPSC Civil Services Examination posed questions related to the effects and implications of Arctic Amplification. Candidates were required to understand the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’, the role of global warming in triggering the release of methane gas from these deposits, and the location of these large deposits. They were also asked to explain the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences.
