Arctic Sea Ice - Multimedia Gallery
Dec 11, 2006 - by Staff
Multimedia Gallery
This animation, based on simulations produced by the Community Climate System Model, shows the year-to-year variability of Arctic sea ice. For much of the 20th century, the model accurately captures the expansion and contraction of the area covered by sea ice from one late summer to the next, based on natural climate cycles. By the end of the 20th century, however, the ice began to retreat significantly because of global warming.
Within a few decades or sooner, the model simulations show that the ice is likely to shrink abruptly, losing about two-thirds of its area over the course of about a decade. By about 2040, the Arctic may be nearly devoid of sea ice during the late summer unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly curtailed. (©UCAR, animation.) News media terms of use*
Other formats available
Arctic Sea Ice Summer Minimum, 1990 to 2049, with title slate - QuickTime, 9.5 MB
Arctic Sea Ice Summer Minimum, 1900 to 2049, with title slate - QuickTime, 8.1 MB
Arctic Sea Ice Summer Minimum, 1900 to 2049, without title slate - Flash, 4.7 MB
Arctic Sea Ice Summer Minimum, 1900 to 2049, with title slate - Flash, 6.3 MB
To obtain a broadcast-quality version of this animation, please contact David Hosansky.
Images
Click here or on image to enlarge.
Click here or on image to enlarge.
The image at left, based on simulations produced by the Community Climate System Model, shows the approximate extent of Arctic sea ice in September. The model indicates the extent of this late-summer ice could begin to retreat abruptly within several decades. By about 2040 (image at right), the Arctic may be nearly devoid of sea ice during the late summer unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly curtailed. (©UCAR, illustrations.) News media terms of use*