"Arctic sea ice this summer melted to a record low extent or will come a close second, two different research institutes said on Tuesday, confirming a trend which could yield an ice-free summer within a decade."
"The five biggest melts in a 32-year satellite record have all happened in the past five years, likely a result of both manmade climate change and natural weather patterns.
One impact of an ice-free summer may be disrupted world weather, with hints already as some scientists blame recent chill winters in Europe and North America on warmer, open Arctic seas diverting polar winds south.
Researchers at the University of Bremen in Germany say that this year has already toppled 2007 after sea ice retreated to a record low on September 8."
Gerard Wynn reports for Reuters September 14, 2011.
SEE ALSO:
"Warming Oceans Encourage Explosion of Dangerous Bacteria" (ENS)
"Reuters, AP: Bits And Pieces of Climate Change And Drastic Weather News" (Knight Science Journalism Tracker)
"Dallas Breaks Much-Awaited Heat Record, With Mixed Emotions" (Reuters)
"Farm Groups Step Up Interest in Insurance Due to Extreme Weather, but Don't Talk Climate" (Greenwire)
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