In a new research study, scientists have discovered a strong correlation between currents in the Barents Sea and winter Arctic sea ice loss.
The Barents Sea serves as a gateway where warm, saline water from the Atlantic Ocean flows into the Arctic Ocean, as detailed in an Alfred Wegener Institute report posted by Phys.org.
What's happening?
A team led by researchers from the institute published its findings in the journal Nature Communications.
The scientists utilized global ocean and sea ice model simulations to investigate the relationship between the Atlantic Ocean's return flow and the Barents Sea ice. They observed that the return flow of water has steadily weakened over the past 40 years, yet there has been no corresponding change in inflow.
This phenomenon helps explain the sustained loss of sea ice in the Barents Sea, especially during the winter season.
"If the return flow is weaker, less Atlantic water is immediately transported out again," explained Dr. Finn Heukamp, lead author of the study, in the institute's report. "Instead of leaving the Barents Sea, this Atlantic water flows through it and warms it up. The consequence is that less new sea ice is formed in such years and existing ice melts faster."
The simulation showed that the return flow has reduced by about half since 1979, contributing to accelerated Barents Sea ice loss.
Why is the Barents Sea ice significant?
This research is impactful because it highlights a previously understudied process, which the researchers described as of "first-order importance."
It explains how ocean heat reaches the sea ice, limiting winter ice formation and reducing the overall area of sea ice. Evidence shows that an increasing amount of warm Atlantic water can now reach the Arctic sea ice.
The study provides a foundation for further research into driving the return flow of the Barents Sea. It perpetuates the momentum of Arctic sea ice studies and promotes more precise ice melt projections as our planet continues to warm steadily.
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Never 👎 What is being done to protect Arctic sea ice?
Many research groups are now focusing on ocean temperature changes and Arctic sea ice melt due to their broad global impacts. Oceanic shifts impact weather and temperatures worldwide, prompting conservationists and lawmakers to consider new environmental strategies to help vulnerable places and populations.
Fortunately, increased research publications on these topics are improving public education and awareness about this critical climate issue.
Even as a non-scientist, you can increase awareness by discussing these topics with people you know and donating or volunteering your time to ocean-related climate causes.
You can also lead by example with pro-climate individual actions like driving an EV, reducing your plastic use, and installing solar panels. Simple daily switches and utilizing free resources, such as EnergySage's solar installation comparison tool, demonstrate how we can work together toward the common goal of a cooler, more sustainable planet.
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