The Arctic’s rapidly shrinking sea ice cover: a research synthesis

• DOI: 10.1007/s10584-011-0101-1
• Publication Date: 2011-06-07T11:14:25Z
• Authors: Julienne C. Stroeve; Mark C. Serreze; Marika M. Holland; Jennifer E. Kay; James Malanik; Andrew P. Barrett
• Keywords: Ice-albedo feedback; Arctic geoengineering

The sequence of extreme September sea ice extent minima over the past decade suggests acceleration in response Arctic cover to external forcing, hastening ongoing transition towards a seasonally open Ocean. This reflects several mutually supporting processes. Because extensive water recent Septembers, following spring is increasingly dominated by thin, first-year (ice formed during previous autumn and winter) that vulnerable melting out summer. Thinner turn fosters stronger summer ice-albedo feedback through earlier formation areas. A thin also more strong retreat under anomalous atmospheric forcing. Finally, general warming has reduced likelihood cold years could bring about temporary recovery cover. Events leading exemplify these