DAMOCLES - Understanding climate change in the Arctic

A change in atmospheric circulation

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:55:24 PST

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.

Rapid ice loss continues through June

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:56:52 PST

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.

Arctic sea ice does not recover

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:11:33 PST

AWI: Recently published data from DAMOCLES scientists reveal that another critical minimum for Arctic sea ice can be expected in September 2010.

Arctic sea ice extent declines rapidly in May

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:30:26 PST

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.

Scientists study the thin ice of Greenland

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:40:20 PST

Wales Online: An expedition led by a Welsh scientist is examining whether the Greenland ice sheet is collapsing.

Decline of the polar bear

Fri, 28 May 2010 13:42:27 PST

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.

Polar Bears pushed to the edge

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:57:06 PST

Irish Times: A new report on the state of the Arctic tundra makes for depressing reading for the future of all biodiversity in the region.

Arctic leak would be a disaster: scientist

Thu, 27 May 2010 10:54:48 PST

The Vancouver Sun: A major oil spill in the Beaufort Sea could have a "catastrophic" impact on Canada's Arctic ecosystem and worsen the effects of climate change, a former senior government scientist has warned.

Arctic sea ice heading for new record low

Thu, 20 May 2010 10:59:50 PST

The Globe and Mail: Coverage at 2007 level now, and declining faster, making ice-free northern summers possible soon.

2010 on track to be hottest ever - U.S. climate data

Wed, 19 May 2010 10:50:59 PST

Reuters India: This year is on track to be the hottest ever after data published by America's climate agency this week showed record global temperatures in April and the first four months of 2010.

Arctic research set to be beefed up

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:09:41 PST

China Daily: The Arctic will be the focus of stepped-up research and expedition efforts to deal with challenges and opportunities arising from melting ice cover, the country's top administrator on polar research has said.

China to boost Arctic research

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:25:51 PST

Barents Observer: China will increase Arctic research and expedition efforts, the country’s top administrator on Polar research says. The undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Arctic are global resources, not regional, he claims.

Stream Water Study Detects Thawing Permafrost

Thu, 06 May 2010 10:23:20 PST

Red Orbit: Monitoring changes in permafrost is difficult with current methods, but a study by University of Michigan researchers offers a new approach to assessing the extent of the problem.

New Arctic research vessel for Norway

Wed, 05 May 2010 12:11:09 PST

BarentsObserver: The delineation deal on the Barents Sea makes the construction of a new ice-breaking research vessel more relevant, Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre admits.

Warmer Arctic needs new rules to limit environmental damage

Sat, 01 May 2010 07:59:25 PST

ENN: A new, warmer Arctic cannot continue to operate under rules that assume it is ice-covered and essentially closed to fishing, resource exploration and development and shipping, WWF said as it launched a group of reports on protecting a newly accessible, highly vulnerable environment with profound significance for global climate, the global economy and global security.

Sea ice loss major cause of Arctic warming

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:01:31 PST

AFP: Melting sea ice has dramatically accelerated warming in the Arctic, where temperatures have risen faster in recent decades than the global average, according to a study.

Global Floating Ice In "Constant Retreat": Study

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 10:47:00 PST

Planet Ark/Colonial First State: The world's floating ice is in "constant retreat," showing an instability which will increase global sea levels, according to a report published in Geophysical Research Letters on Wednesday.

Russia-Norway pact defuses Arctic tension

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:37:05 PST

EUobserver: After some 40 years of negotiations, Norway and Russia have reached agreement over their undersea borders in the high north.

Earth’s poles lose 1.5 million in ‘icebergs’ every year

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:48:27 PST

Metro: Satellite data and computer simulations have given the figure of sea ice disappearing from both poles.

Sea ice loss driving Arctic warming cycle, scientists confirm

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 10:45:06 PST

The Guardian: Study identifies cycle of ice loss and temperature rise that could see Arctic's icy cover disappear sooner than expected.