Melting sea ice drastically weakens Earth’s cooling power

By Elías Thorsson July 18, 2024
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Melted ice flows in the Nuuk fjord in Greenland. In 2022, the melting of the Greenland ice sheet had contributed 1.2 centimeters to the global sea level rise in just under 20 years, according to a monitor. (DPA via Reuters)

Recent research led by University of Michigan scientists reveals a significant reduction in the cooling power of sea ice, exacerbating global warming, reports Phys.org. Since 1980, the Arctic has lost about a quarter of its cooling power, and the world has lost up to 15%.

  • Satellite Data Analysis: Researchers used satellite measurements of cloud cover and solar radiation reflected by sea ice from 1980 to 2023.
  • Reflectivity Changes: Remaining ice is becoming less reflective, particularly in the Arctic, due to thinner, wetter ice and more melt ponds.
  • Cooling Power Decline: The decrease in sea ice cooling power is about twice the percentage of the annual average sea ice area loss in both the Arctic and Antarctic.
  • Arctic vs. Antarctic Trends: The Arctic shows the largest and most steady decline in cooling power. The Antarctic was stable until 2016, when significant ice melt began and an area larger than Texas melted on one of the continent’s largest ice shelves.
  • Significant Warming Feedback: Post-2016 Antarctic changes increased the warming feedback from sea ice loss by 40%.