A new huge hole in Arctic’s ‘last ice’ area
Recommended for Secondary Grades
Scientists have discovered a huge hole in the Arctic’s ‘last ice’ area. They made this discovery in May 2020, according to a new study.
This ‘last ice’ is the area with the Arctic’s oldest, thickest ice and scientists had thought it was the most stable. But now, it seems it could also be melting.
A hole in the Arctic’s ‘last ice’ area
This hole is called a polynya, or area of open water. They discovered it north of Ellesmere Island in the Arctic. But it seems similar polynyas may also have opened in 1988 and 2004.
The sea ice off the northern coast of Ellesmere Island is usually more than 4 metres thick which scientists thought would protect it from global warming.
What is Ellesmere Island?
Ellesmere Island is an island in the Arctic Circle. It is Canada’s northernmost and third largest island, and the tenth largest in the world.
Global warming
Now, scientists say that due to global warming, the Arctic’s ‘last ice’ area may melt completely each summer by the end of this century. This is very dangerous for animals such as polar bears, which need ice all around the year.
Scientists say that if the situation continues as it is right now, more such polynyas might open up more frequently in the future.
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