Changing Arctic affecting air, ocean, and everything in between

Science Daily: Despite the fact that summer 2009 had more sea ice than in 2007 or 2008, scientists are seeing drastic changes in the region from just five years ago and at rates faster than anticipated. The findings were presented October 22 in the annual update of the Arctic Report Card, a collaborative effort of 71 national and international scientists.

"The Arctic is a special and fragile place on this planet," said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. "Climate change is happening faster in the Arctic than any other place on Earth -- and with wide-ranging consequences. When I visited the northern corners of Alaska's Arctic region earlier this year, I saw an area abundant with natural resources, diverse wildlife, proud local and native peoples -- and a most uncertain future. This year's Arctic Report Card underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas pollution and adapting to climate changes already under way."

Among the changes highlighted in the 2009 update to the report card were:

* A change in large scale wind patterns affected by the loss of summer sea ice,
* The replacement of multi-year sea ice by first-year sea ice,
* Warmer and fresher water in the upper ocean linked to new ice-free areas,
* A continued loss of the Greenland ice sheet,
* Less snow in North America and increased runoff in Siberia, and
* The effect of the loss of sea ice on Arctic plant, animal, and fish species….