"Warmer Arctic Probably Permanent, Scientists Say"

"The signs of climate change were all over the Arctic this year -- warmer air, less sea ice, melting glaciers -- which probably means this weather-making region will not return to its former, colder state, scientists reported on Thursday.

In an international assessment of the Arctic, scientists from the United States, Canada, Russia, Denmark and other countries said, "Return to previous Arctic conditions is unlikely."

Conditions in the Arctic are important because of their powerful impact on weather in the heavily populated middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere.

The heavy snows in the United States, northern Europe and western Asia last winter are linked to higher air temperatures over the Arctic, the scientists found."

Deborah Zabarenko reports for Reuters October 22, 2010.

SEE ALSO:

"NOAA: Warming Arctic Unlikely To Return To How It Was" (McClatchy)

"Sea Ice Melting as Arctic Temperature Rises" (AP)