The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of November 11, 2019

The Slow Death of Taku

Last week, media outlets covered a story about how the world’s thickest mountain glacier, the Taku Glacier in Alaska, is melting. This was revealed by newly released satellite photos shared by NASA’s Earth Observatory. From 1946 to 1988 the massive glacier, which measures 4,860 feet from surface to floor, was growing by as much as a foot per year. After that, for the next 25 years, the glacier’s advancement slowed and ice began to thin. From 2013 to 2018 the advancement stopped altogether, and now there are signs of the glacier retreating for the first time ever (Fox News, Livescience, NASA Earth Observatory, USA Today).

Take 1: This news is disturbing. It was originally predicted that the Taku glacier would continue to advance for the rest of the century, but now instead signs of retreat have been seen 80 years ahead of schedule. Scientists are concerned about the development, as the glacier has been one of the last glaciers withstanding the effect of climate change. Urgent actions need to be taken if we want to limit negative consequences of climate change. If not, we will for instance continue to see rapid melting of glaciers that contribute to rising sea level, which in turn increases coastal erosion and elevates storm surge. We will also see the rapid expansion of glacial lakes, which increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods.

Melting Sea Ice can Spread Disease

On November 7, the journal Scientific Reports released a new scientific study that suggests a link between melting Arctic sea ice and the spread of a deadly disease among marine mammals called Phocine distemper virus (PDV). The study was conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis who collected 15 years of data from 2,535 live and 165 dead marine animals and combined it with data on sea ice loss. The results showed that in 2003 widespread PDV exposure was identified among seals, sea lions, and sea otters in the North Pacific Ocean with a second exposure peak in 2009 (CNN International, Independent, Scientific Reports, The Weather Channel).

Take 2: The study has determined that the melting of Arctic sea ice can be blamed for the spread of PDV from the Atlantic Ocean to the northern Pacific Ocean. The virus, which was first observed in 1988 in colder waters now seems to not only have spread between oceans but also across species, including otters, seals and sea lions. These findings are not surprising as warming temperatures continue to melt Arctic sea ice, opening up new pathways for Arctic and sub-Arctic species to interact. If the current trend continues, the sea ice that once acted as a physical barrier between oceans regions and their ecosystems will be completely gone. Instead there will be an increase of marine animal mobility that leads to easy transmission of the PDV virus. In addition, as the ice melts, previously frozen organisms can become re-exposed to the environment despite them being dormant for a long period of time. All this is of concern as viruses like PDV threatens survival of ecosystems and indirectly impact humans who rely on the animals. In order for us to put a halt on the melting sea ice it is important to educate people on the causes of climate change and possible preventative solutions.

A 5 Star Journey to Both Poles

This week, Forbes reported that starting February 2022 it will be possible to take a cruise from Antarctica to the Arctic. The ship is a Norwegian flagged luxury cruise ship called SeaDream Innovation. It will feature 110 staterooms over nine decks, have 3,500 square meters of outdoor space, be staffed by up to 200 crew, and have a maximum capacity of 220 passengers. The ship will even carry a helicopter and a sea place because of its intended use in remote areas. The length of the cruise is 88 days, starting in Ushuaia in Argentina, the world’s southernmost city and ending in Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost town. The price tag of such a luxury adventure will be between $56,536 and $160,838 per person (Forbes).

Take 3: Cruises like these have not been possible in the past due to the presence of extensive sea ice, but the situation has changed with the accelerated rate of climate change. Warming temperatures have resulted in the rapid melting of sea ice that now gives room for large cruise ships like the SeaDream Innovation to reach areas that once were not accessible. This can be seen as a positive development as it gives people the chance to expand their knowledge about the remote corners of the Earth. However, it comes at a price of altering the once pristine environment, bringing possible detrimental environmental and societal impacts.

Soot is Not the Problem

On November 11, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published the findings of a team of U.S. scientists who had studied the albedo effect in the Arctic for a period of 32 years. Using satellite data, the team was able to determine that from 1982 to 2014 there was a 1.25%-1.51% per-decade reduction in the surface albedo effect during spring and summer. Soot did not play a major role in the reduction of the Arctic’s ability to reflect heat as soot levels have dropped while warming has continued. Ice on land, sea-ice, and snow on top of sea-ice have all contributed equally to the region’s albedo effect (BBC News, Phys.org,PNAS).

Take 4: This new study puts to rest the thought that soot is a major contributor to the decreased albedo effect in the Arctic. Instead it has become clear that it is the loss of snow and ice cover that is the main reason for this. As temperatures continue to increase, ice and snow will continue to melt, decreasing the albedo effect and generating a positive feedback loop that will result in more warming.

Russia’s Expanding Northern Forces

This week Russia’s Northern Fleet confirmed that the country’s new nuclear-powered ballistic Borei-class submarine successfully test fired its torpedoes in the White Sea. After successfully completing all its tests the submarine will be transferred into the Northern Fleet. Once the sub gets stationed with the Northern Fleet it will be the second one deployed to northern waters (Barents Observer).

Take 5: While the transfer of one sub to the Northern Command does not seem like much, it is these types of incremental moves that over time allow Russia to continually reinforce its northern forces. At the same time these tests were occurring Russia also deployed 26 T-80BVM model tanks to bases located close to the borders of Finland and Norway. The buildup of regional forces for all sides is a concerning trend as the Arctic becomes a more competitive area.