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Arctic Ocean to have Open Water summers by 2040

arctic1 557Partly as a result of global warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases, the Arctic Ocean could be mostly open water in summer by 2040 – several decades earlier than previously expected, as concluded by a study done by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo. which involved seven fresh simulations on supercomputers at the atmospheric center

In the simulations, the shift seems to occur when a pulse of warm Atlantic Ocean water combines with the thinning and retreat of ice under the influence of the global warming trend. Scientists ascribe most of that planet-scale warming, including a warming of the shallow layers of the oceans, to the buildup of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping smokestack and tailpipe gases in the atmosphere.

map 557Several experts not involved with the studies said they were significant for human affairs, as well as biology.

Polar bears will struggle, these scientists said, and so will Arctic people who still go out on sea ice to hunt seals. By contrast, countries and businesses pursuing new shipping lanes, energy supplies and fishing grounds could profit.

This revelation has not been a shocking news for the scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, who found that the November average ice coverage was by far the lowest since satellite measurements began in 1979.

The melting is likely to shift weather patterns, too. More sea ice means colder winters, because frigid winds blowing over ice pick up little heat from the warmer waters below.
As we have gradually started to accept the typhoons, tsunamis, earthquakes and the likes in our lives, so shall this phenomenal climatic changes too the mankind will adapt to.

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