The article begins with an alarming revelation from a study conducted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), pointing out the rapid decrease in Antarctic sea ice. This shocking change has been noted after decades of gradual increases with the sea ice extent, a measure of the surface area of the ocean which is covered by ice, decreasing faster than that in the Arctic. Observations into the Arctic and Antarctic have shown that both are experiencing shrinking of this sea ice extent, an ominous sign of the effects of global warming on Frigid Zones.
Analysis of Ice Coverage
Satellite observations of Antarctic sea ice coverage have been consistently monitored since the late 1970s. These studies revealed that the Antarctic sea ice was slowly increasing over the following decades until 2014. However, in the subsequent period stretching from 2014 to 2017, the trend dramatically reversed. During these three years, the rate of sea ice loss in the Antarctic far exceeded those recorded for the Arctic.
Climate Scientist Warnings
Climate scientists have long been raising the red flag over the escalating effects of global warming. They caution about increasing incidences of extreme weather events, increased variability, and instability of climatic patterns as clear indicators of global warming. This study is a grim reminder that the Earth has the potential for significant and rapid change.
Unusually High Sea Surface Temperatures
Sea surface temperature readings in the open waters of the Arctic have shown troubling results. Temperatures have been found up to 5 degrees Celsius above average in the Chukchi Sea, a marginal area of the Arctic Ocean. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has further stated that the years spanning from 2015 to 2019 were the warmest five years ever recorded.
| Fact | Data |
|---|---|
| Sea surface temperature increase in Chukchi Sea | Up to 5 degrees Celsius above average |
| Warmest five years on record | 2015 to 2019 |
Possible Causes
While Antarctica is largely shielded from atmospheric warming due to the westerly winds surrounding the continent, it’s interesting to note that Antarctic sea ice does not respond directly to global warming averaged over the whole planet. Factors such as climate change, ozone depletion, and short-term cycles like El Nino also affect these westerly winds. Moreover, the level of ocean mixing, implicated by meltwater from the Antarctic Ice Sheet, also influences the sea ice.
Impact of Decreasing Sea Ice
The shrinking sea ice has far-reaching implications both for global warming and the polar ecosystem. The bright surface of sea ice reflects 50% to 70% of sunlight back into space. When this ice melts, it transforms into a dark ocean surface which absorbs 90% of the sunlight. As more light gets absorbed, global systems become warmer.
This issue also affects the polar ecosystem, including penguins, whales, seals, petrels, albatrosses, krill, and a wide range of other animals and marine plant life. Warming of the poles can lead to greater persistence in seasonal patterns and an increased frequency of extreme events, resulting in heightened variability and instability in the climate. The current sea ice situation is a clear demonstration of greenhouse gas warming and a warning of likely future disasters.
