sea ice

Half of the drop in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels during glacial periods is the result of Antarctic sea ice modifying ocean circulation and acting as a ‘lid’, trapping carbon stored in the ocean beneath.

Methane seeps from seafloor deposits near Svalbard release less ‘greenhouse gas’ into the atmosphere than other Arctic sites because ocean currents there form an effective barrier.

Next week there will be two meetings entitled ‘Arctic sea ice reduction: the evidence, models, and global impacts’, held under the auspices of the Royal Society, organised by Prof Daniel Feltham (U Reading), with Dr Sheldon Bacon (NOC), Dr Mark Brandon (Open University) and Professor (Emeritus) Julian Hunt FRS.