The Great Debate – what is going on in the Arctic?

by Rae Collins

Any changes in the Arctic seems to affect the climate of the whole earth, earning the area the name the “Earth’s Air conditioner.” Today there is much concern because the Far North is reportedly experiencing the” second biggest ice melt in history. The biggest apparently ever, took place last year.

However, even though satellite recording of the North Pole and Artic area which commenced in 1978, has told us much about the climatic activities in the area, there is still much debate about Climate Change/Global Warming and its impact on the Arctic and the world at large.

Here are some headlines and comments, which are currently circulating in the medias:

‘”Situation In Arctic Ice Affects Many Things Including Weather” states the www.eontarionow.com website. This article talks about the impact on wildlife and the concern that, because of receding ice in the far north, predatory species may move into new habitats and overtake resident species.

“No matter where you look at it, Arctic Ice in many areas appears to be in a death spiral,” Dr Mark Serreze says in this article.
A scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center located in Boulder Colorado, the agency in the United States that closely monitors and tracks the condition of Arctic ice in the far north, he is especially concerned about the ice melt in the Chukchi Sea. Situated immediately north of the Bering Straight between Alaska and Siberia, the area is home to the world’s largest population of Polar Bears. More drowning by polar bears have been reported in recent years, presumably because they have to swim further to their food sources.

The Online National Geographic Magazine states that “North Pole May Be Ice-Free for First Time This Summer” Further reading of this article suggests the writer means by between 2013 and 2030. The ‘new’ ice, which covers the sea at present, is expected melt very quickly.

“Arctic ice refuses to melt as ordered.” Steven Goddard, in an article on www.theregister.co.uk challenges the data presented by the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). He says the area of the Arctic sea ice is increasing. He states that
“The Arctic melt season is nearly over for this year. And none of these dire predictions have come to pass. Yet there is, however, something odd going on with the ice data.” His article has sparked some lively debate about the accuracy and origins of data and subsequent conclusions.

It is interesting to note that a series of Arctic underwater volcanoes have erupted in violent explosions in the past decade. Hidden 2.5 miles (4,000 meters) beneath the Arctic surface, the volcanoes are up to a mile (2,000 meters) in diameter and a few hundred yards tall. They formed along the Gakkel Ridge, a 1,800 kilometers crack in the ocean crust between Greenland and Siberia where two rocky plates are spreading apart, pulling new melted rock to the surface.

It has been well documented through history, that volcanic explosions can have a huge but temporary impact on the world’s climate. For example, it is noted on the www.foxnews.com website, that over 400 years ago, a massive volcanic explosion from Huaynaputina in Peru may have been responsible for the worst famine in Russia’s history, from 1601 – 1603, exceptionally cold winters in Switzerland, Estonia and Latvia, and the wine harvest in France was late as were the blossoming of peach trees in China.

Other volcanic explosions have also been known to affect the world’s climate, including Indonesia’s Tambora in 1815, and the explosion of Lake Taupo, New Zealand in 186 AD. The ancient Romans and Greeks noticed darkened skies from this explosion.

So if explosions above the water affect the earth’s climate, how does the impact underwater volcanic activity affect it?

Alongside the concern of the rapid ice melt, there are some positive aspects.

For example, the famed, and elusive North West Passage opened for navigation, for the first time since satellite records began in 1978 (see the North West Passage Article).

And visitors may now visit a variety to destinations on cruise ships through to ice breakers. A popular but restricted destination is the Franz Josef Archipelago, the northernmost set of islands in the world. Originally used as the last post before going to the North Pole, and for scientific and wartime observations, tourists visit to observe, at extremely close hand, dozens of curious polar bears and walruses.

Students may also visit the Arctic. Every year The Cape Farewell Youth Expedition brings together 28 like minded international students, teachers, scientists and artists to study the Artic and act as ambassadors for the area.

And now it is possible to circumnavigate the North Pole for the first time ever. Soon we might be able to sail over the North Pole….

However, the debate remains. Will we, in our lifetime, see an iceless North Pole? Sooner or later? Will it be a result of Global Warming, Climate Change or something else? And what will be the impact on the rest of the world? Watch this space…..