Impacts of Climate Change The Arctic WORLD AT RISK
Slide 2
The disappearing arctic By how much did permanent sea ice
decrease by between 2004 and 2005 according to NASA studies?By how
much did permanent sea ice decrease by between 2004 and 2005
according to NASA studies?
Slide 3
The disappearing arctic By how much did permanent sea ice
decrease by between 2004 and 2005 according to NASA studies?By how
much did permanent sea ice decrease by between 2004 and 2005
according to NASA studies? 14% which is equivalent to a size 3x
that of the UK
Slide 4
The disappearing Arctic
Slide 5
Why is this such a problem? Apart from rising sea levels why is
it a problem if we lose sea ice such as the arctic?Apart from
rising sea levels why is it a problem if we lose sea ice such as
the arctic?
Slide 6
Which would you pick on a hot day?
Slide 7
albedo Albedo is the amount of solar radiation reflected by the
Earths surfaces.Albedo is the amount of solar radiation reflected
by the Earths surfaces.
Slide 8
Albedo 1. Light coloured snow and ice reflects back the Suns
energy efficiently.1. Light coloured snow and ice reflects back the
Suns energy efficiently. 2. Exposed land is darker coloured and
absorbs more energy. THIS IS THE SAME FOR OPEN OCEAN.2. Exposed
land is darker coloured and absorbs more energy. THIS IS THE SAME
FOR OPEN OCEAN.
Slide 9
Albedo 3. As the ice melts, more land is exposed. This absorbs
more heat, melting more ice.3. As the ice melts, more land is
exposed. This absorbs more heat, melting more ice. 4. The altitude
of the melting ice is now reduced so it becomes harder for new ice
to form.4. The altitude of the melting ice is now reduced so it
becomes harder for new ice to form.
Slide 10
This is a positive feedback loop Less solar radiation is
reflected away, and more is absorbed by the ocean A greater
quantity of heat is produced The ice melts at a faster rate There
is less ice cover in the Arctic region
Total travel distance for a one- way trip from Norway to Japan:
Via Panama Canal: 24 000 kmVia Panama Canal: 24 000 km Via Cape
Horn: 35 000 kmVia Cape Horn: 35 000 km Via Suez Canal (Asian
Route): 21 500 kmVia Suez Canal (Asian Route): 21 500 km Via
Northwest Passage: 14 500 kmVia Northwest Passage: 14 500 km