I have noted many times, we are scienceing the hell out of the polar regions, throwing everything we can at measuring and modelling these critical regions which are rapidly changing.
In December, the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issues an annual “report card” summarizing conditions in the Arctic [2]. This is a brief summary of overall findings from a range of measurements and studies of the Arctic, including satellite, airborne, surface, and submarine samples, as well as data analysis and theoretical modelling.
The 2022 report card covers a lot of material, but the headlines make the main point: the Arctic is steadily warming (air, land, and water), which is shifting seasons and disrupting life.
One large effect is that the Arctic is wetter, with more snow and rain falling [1]. This contributes to melting of permanent ice and snow, and also “greens” both the land and ocean, fostering the growth of some plants and plankton. These effects are dramatically altering the ecosystems, perhaps in ways that are difficult to anticipate.
The report card notes that, as discussed elsewhere, Geese are doing fine.
“In 2022, despite an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza in North America and variable spring weather conditions, the population sizes of most Arctic geese remained at or above historical levels.”
The top headline makes two very telling points.
One is that this report makes clear “the value of diverse observations”. Actual measurements. What a concept!
The second is that the climate and related events “are becoming increasingly difficult to assess within the context of what has been previously considered normal.” Quite.
- Jonathan Amos, More snow and rain is falling in the Arctic, in BBC News – Science, December 14, 2022. https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-63967630
- NOAA. Arctic Report Card. 2023, https://www.arctic.noaa.gov/Report-card.
NOAA. Arctic Report Card, Jonathan Amos, More snow and rain is falling in the Arctic,
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