Oldest and Thickest Sea Ice Above Greenland Is Melting Twice As Fast As Other Ice (Video)

A concerning trend is emerging in the Arctic: the oldest and thickest sea ice north of Greenland, often considered the "Last Ice Area," is melting at twice the rate of the surrounding ice. This is significant because this region was previously thought to be a stable refuge for Arctic ice in a warming climate. New research, supported by compelling video evidence, reveals the vulnerability of this crucial area and has implications for the Arctic ecosystem and global climate patterns.

The Last Ice Area: A False Sense of Security?

The "Last Ice Area" (LIA), located along the northern coast of Greenland and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, was identified as the region projected to retain sea ice the longest as the Arctic warms. Its thicker, multi-year ice was expected to withstand the pressures of rising temperatures and changing ocean currents better than younger, thinner ice. However, recent observations are challenging this assumption. Scientists are now witnessing a rapid decline in ice thickness and extent within the LIA, signaling a critical shift in the Arctic sea ice landscape.

This accelerated melt is particularly alarming because the older, thicker ice plays a vital role. It acts as a buffer against further warming by reflecting solar radiation back into space (high albedo). As this ice disappears, the darker ocean water absorbs more sunlight, accelerating the warming process. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, contributes to global temperature increases and shifts in weather patterns worldwide.

Visual Evidence of Rapid Ice Loss

The impact of this rapid melting is captured in stunning, and often disturbing, video footage. This visual evidence, collected through satellite imagery, aerial surveys, and on-the-ground expeditions, vividly illustrates the dramatic reduction in sea ice thickness and extent. These videos show widening fractures in the ice, increased melt ponds on the surface, and a general thinning of the ice cover. Such observations offer a powerful and undeniable testament to the severity of the situation.

Factors Driving Accelerated Melting

Several factors contribute to the faster-than-expected melting of the oldest ice near Greenland. Warmer ocean currents are increasingly intruding into the Arctic, eroding the ice from below. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns are also playing a role, bringing warmer air masses into the region and driving more ice out of the Arctic through the Fram Strait. Furthermore, increased levels of black carbon (soot) from industrial activities and wildfires are deposited on the ice surface, reducing its albedo and accelerating melting. This combination of factors creates a perfect storm for sea ice loss in this vulnerable region.

Data and Trends: A Closer Look

Here’s a simplified illustration of the trend. Please note that real data is more complex and nuanced, but this provides a general overview.

Implications for the Arctic Ecosystem

The loss of oldest sea ice has far-reaching consequences for the Arctic ecosystem. Polar bears, seals, and walruses rely on this ice for hunting, breeding, and resting. The decline in sea ice forces these animals to travel farther to find suitable habitat, increasing their energy expenditure and reducing their reproductive success. Changes in the ice cover also affect the distribution and abundance of Arctic plankton, the foundation of the marine food web. Ultimately, the melting of the Last Ice Area threatens the entire Arctic food chain and the survival of iconic species.

Global Consequences and Call to Action

The accelerated melting of sea ice in the Arctic has significant global implications. As mentioned earlier, the loss of ice contributes to Arctic amplification, accelerating global warming. Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities worldwide. Changes in Arctic weather patterns can also influence weather patterns in lower latitudes, leading to more extreme weather events. Addressing this crisis requires immediate and concerted action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and protect vulnerable Arctic ecosystems. The fate of the Last Ice Area, and indeed the entire planet, depends on our collective response.