Arctic news
Arctic news is a selection of international Internet news items related to climate issues in the Arctic and is updated daily. The news items reported here do not necessarily represent the views of DAMOCLES nor can DAMOCLES be held responsible for the quality of their content.
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A change in atmospheric circulation
National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC): The rate of ice loss slowed in the first half of July, primarily because of a change in atmospheric circulation. The dipole anomaly, an atmospheric pattern that dominated the Arctic in June, broke down. It was replaced by a pattern of low-pressure systems tracking across northern Eurasia and then into the central Arctic Ocean. (Jul 20, 2010)
Rapid ice loss continues through June
National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC): Average June ice extent was the lowest in the satellite data record, from 1979 to 2010. Arctic air temperatures were higher than normal, and Arctic sea ice continued to decline at a fast pace. June saw the return of the Arctic dipole anomaly, an atmospheric pressure pattern that contributed to the record sea ice loss in 2007. (Jul 6, 2010)
Arctic sea ice extent declines rapidly in May
National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC): In May, Arctic air temperatures remained above average, and sea ice extent declined at a rapid pace. At the end of the month, extent fell near the level recorded in 2006, the lowest in the satellite record for the end of May. Analysis from scientists at the University of Washington suggests that ice volume has continued to decline compared to recent years. However, it is too soon to say whether Arctic ice extent will reach another record low this summer—that will depend on the weather and wind conditions over the next few months. (Jun 8, 2010)
Scientists study the thin ice of Greenland
Wales Online: An expedition led by a Welsh scientist is examining whether the Greenland ice sheet is collapsing. (Jun 2, 2010)
Decline of the polar bear
Simcoe Reformer: A study by a team of Canadian scientists has concluded that effects of climate change will have a dramatic on impact polar bear populations. (May 28, 2010)
From the press
- A change in atmospheric circulation >>
[National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Jul 20, 2010] - Rapid ice loss continues through June >>
[National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Jul 6, 2010] - Arctic sea ice extent declines rapidly in May >>
[National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), Jun 8, 2010] - Scientists study the thin ice of Greenland >>
[Wales Online, Jun 2, 2010] - Decline of the polar bear >>
[Simcoe Reformer, May 28, 2010] - Polar Bears pushed to the edge >>
[Irish Times, May 27, 2010] - Arctic leak would be a disaster: scientist >>
[The Vancouver Sun, May 27, 2010] - Arctic sea ice heading for new record low >>
[The Globe and Mail, May 20, 2010] - 2010 on track to be hottest ever - U.S. climate data >>
[Reuters India, May 19, 2010] - Arctic research set to be beefed up >>
[China Daily, May 6, 2010]
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