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TechnographIs climate change causing ice melts?
UI researchers turn attention to Arctic, say many factors behind shrinking caps
By Melissa Silverberg
Posted: 4/22/08 Section: News
A piece of Antarctica the size of Connecticut, also known as the Wilkins ice shelf, received attention around the world when it broke off from the continent in March. But, officials from the University and the National Snow and Ice Data Center have said it is actually ice in the Arctic that may be most affected by climate change.
The summer of 2007 saw the lowest amount of ice coverage in the Arctic throughout recorded history, said William Chapman, a senior research programmer in the University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
While the low amount of ice does have something to do with climate change, Chapman said, there was also a variety of other factors that came together at one time last summer. Clear skies and favorable winds also could have led to the great amount of ice melting, he added.
"We will be watching this summer very closely," Chapman said. "We are hoping the ice in the Arctic will rebound this summer and not be as severe of a loss as last summer."
Some problems associated with melting ice in the Arctic include rising sea levels, warming of the oceans and possible effects on low-lying costal regions around the world, he said.
Research has not yet determined that climate change is the sole cause of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic diminishing, but scientists do believe it to be one of many factors.
As Arctic ice retreats during the summer and rebounds during winter months, it eventually becomes much thinner, which can make it more vulnerable over time, said John Walsh, professor of atmospheric sciences.
Walsh said the Antarctic has been heavily publicized recently because large chunks of ice have broken off, which has put a lot of water into the ocean.
"This is really the wild card in climate change," Walsh said as he explained that the research surrounding sea ice is still not complete.
The summer of 2007 saw the lowest amount of ice coverage in the Arctic throughout recorded history, said William Chapman, a senior research programmer in the University's Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
While the low amount of ice does have something to do with climate change, Chapman said, there was also a variety of other factors that came together at one time last summer. Clear skies and favorable winds also could have led to the great amount of ice melting, he added.
"We will be watching this summer very closely," Chapman said. "We are hoping the ice in the Arctic will rebound this summer and not be as severe of a loss as last summer."
Some problems associated with melting ice in the Arctic include rising sea levels, warming of the oceans and possible effects on low-lying costal regions around the world, he said.
Research has not yet determined that climate change is the sole cause of ice in the Arctic and Antarctic diminishing, but scientists do believe it to be one of many factors.
As Arctic ice retreats during the summer and rebounds during winter months, it eventually becomes much thinner, which can make it more vulnerable over time, said John Walsh, professor of atmospheric sciences.
Walsh said the Antarctic has been heavily publicized recently because large chunks of ice have broken off, which has put a lot of water into the ocean.
"This is really the wild card in climate change," Walsh said as he explained that the research surrounding sea ice is still not complete.
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