has shrunk about 15-20% since the late 1970's. Radar has been used to measure its thickness and shows a thinning of almost 40% in certain regions. A continued loss of sea ice could result in warmer Arctic waters which could impact global ocean currents. Changes in the currents could impact weather and climate in ways scientists might not be able to predict. It could also significantly impact Arctic food webs. On the other hand, there are those who believe there could be positive economic benefits, at least for some. An Arctic Ocean free of summer sea ice would open shipping lanes, resulting in shorter travel time and distance and possibly encourage more Arctic tourism.
Because of the thickness of the East Antarctic ice sheet, and the fact that it sits atop a true continent rather than an ocean, scientists are currently somewhat less concerned about a warming of this region. The West Antarctic ice sheet, however, has many areas which are grounded below sea level. If processes similar to those occurring in Greenland resulted in the loss of the West Antarctica ice sheet, sea level rise becomes a huge problem that would affect coastal regions globally. Researchers continue to monitor Antarctica from space and through surface observations, in some of the most challenging and important science campaigns of the present IPY.
Show the students a dark T-shirt and a white T-shirt. Ask them which they would prefer to wear on a hot, sunny day. Which one would help them stay cooler and why?
Introduce the concept of "albedo." On winter days when large areas are covered with a blanket of snow, the albedo of the snow can cause it to persist. Snow reflects away solar radiation so less heat is available to cause it melt or "sublime" (a phase change from solid directly to gas without first becoming a liquid.) Air temperature near the ground is lower if the ground is covered with snow.
How does the albedo of sea ice help maintain cold Arctic Ocean temperatures? What impacts would a loss of sea ice have on ocean temperature? What impact might this also have on Arctic Ocean currents?
Download NASA's albedo animation.Procedure
Research what has happened to sea ice in the Arctic over the past five years. Suggested website: Sea Ice Yearly Minimum 1979-2007
Based on your observations during the demonstrations, what changes might you expect in Arctic temperatures if a loss of sea ice continues? Why?
Using a light meter measure the amount of light reflected off the surfaces of various colors and brightness. If you live in a region which gets snow, measure the amount of sunlight reflected off snow and compare it to spots on the ground that are not covered by snow.