"The extent of Arctic sea ice has reached a record low, a historic retreat that scientists said is a stark signal of how climate change is transforming the global landscape."
"Scientists at the University of Colorado’s National Snow and Ice Data Center and NASA said that, as of Sunday, the Arctic sea ice cover had shrunk to 1.58 million square miles, the smallest area since satellite measurement began in 1979. With the melting season not yet over, the ice will almost certainly contract further in the coming weeks before it begins to re-form.
Walt Meier, a research scientist at the federally funded center, said a long-term warming trend was largely responsible for the sharp reduction in ice, though recent weather conditions, including a strong storm, also contributed. Higher temperatures produced more open water, which, he said, absorbs more heat and makes the ice thinner."
Juliet Eilperin reports for the Washington Post August 27, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Arctic Ice Shatters Melt Record" (Mother Jones)
"Satellites Show Sea Ice in Arctic Is at a Record Low" (New York Times)
"Arctic Sea Ice at Record Low, Expected To Keep on Melting" (Reuters)
"Arctic Sea Ice Reaches Record Low, NASA Says" (BBC News)
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