Arctic sea ice melting faster than expected infographic
Graphic shows Arctic sea ice loss since satellite records began in 1979.
GN44048EN

CLIMATE

Arctic sea ice melting faster than previously thought

March 15, 2023 - The Arctic Ocean is warming much faster than predicted by climate models used by United Nations experts, thus accelerating the melting of sea ice, researchers say.

Relatively warm currents in the deep Arctic are actually warmer and closer to the surface than experts previously thought, according to studies from the University of Gothenburg, published by the Journal of Climate. These warm currents are coming into direct contact with sea ice and accelerating its melting in winter, they say.

The researchers compared their observations with calculations from 14 models considered by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the panel of experts responsible for the UN’s major climate reports.

The studies conclude that the role of deep water flowing under the Arctic from the Atlantic is underestimated by these models, the Brussels Times said.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 15/03/2023; STORY: Graphic News
Advertisement