Studies are showing that Arctic sea ice is melting at increasing rates. The European satellite, Cryosat, measured that ice thickness dropped from 5-6m to 3m in a decade. Annual ice loss was thought to be close to 900 cubic km a year in a 2004 study. Even though ice loss estimates vary, research shows that the Arctic sea ice continues to decrease at alarming rates. Satellites and scientists have proved that the Arctic is warming much faster than the rest of the planet. The sea ice reflects heat back into space. If this did not happen, the heat would get absorbed into the water beneath it. This would heat up the atmosphere and cause climate change for the entire planet. If the sea ice was to disappear completely, sea levels would rise immensely. It is difficult for scientists to determine the true cause of the sea ice continuing to melt, so it is hard to find a solution. Some say that ice loss is manmade, and others argue that it is natural. I think the Arctic ice loss is a serious problem that is going to be difficult to stop. I hope that scientists can figure out a way to reverse the effects soon, or the planet could have even bigger challenges ahead.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19244895
I feel like this is a pretty important issue as well. The sea melting restricts habitats for animals in addition to raising the sea level. I hope that scientists can find an issue to correct this soon.
ReplyDeleteI feel that ice is mostly melting because more of natural causes than man made, granted, though some scientists argue that its carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere or Greenhouse Effect.
ReplyDelete