Arctic cyclonesThis satellite image shows an “Arctic cyclone” a strong weather system ch
Arctic cyclonesThis satellite image shows an “Arctic cyclone” a strong weather system churning the waters of the Arctic Ocean (the storm is centered at the top of this image). This particular system formed on about in 2013 over Canada and migrated out over the icecap. It lasted about a week before dissipating.Storms like this are key to summer breakup of the ice and thinning of the ice cap and their presence often shows up as a rapid drop in ice volume. The storms seem to churn and break up the sea ice and are particularly hard on ice that has only recently refrozen, known as first-year ice. One of Canada’s sea ice researchers, David Barber, was quoted in press reports saying that the storms aren’t getting more frequent, but they do appear to be getting stronger.A storm like this in 2012 was one of the most powerful ever recorded and was associated with reportedly a 5% loss of sea ice cover. The sea ice cover in 2012 was 18% less than any previous year, so that particular storm was a contributor but not necessarily the entire cause. Right now the Sea Ice in the arctic is FAR below its normal amount for the winter, potentially setting up another major summer melting season. The formation of any additional cyclones during August and September this year, when melting is at its peak will be particularly interesting in terms of observing their impacts on the remaining sea ice.-JBBImage credit:Environment Canada NOAA satellite imagery taken at 15:42 Eastern time on Thursday July 25, 2013http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/greenpage/scientists-watch-arctic-cyclone-chew-up-sea-ice-216959601.htmlLink:http://eyeonthearctic.rcinet.ca/scientists-watch-arctic-cyclone-chew-up-sea-ice/?lang=enOn the 2012 storm:http://www.livescience.com/26789-arctic-cyclone-sea-ice-melt.html -- source link
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