Researchers from the University of Bremen have reported that on September 8, 2011, the historic minimum in the extent of Arctic ice was recorded, according to their calculations. They have used high-resolution data from the microwave sensors of the “Aqua” satellite of the NASA space agency.
Estimates by researchers at the University of Bremen put the extent of Arctic ice at 4.24 million km2.
According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the previous historic minimum occurred in September 2007. This year was the first time that the Arctic Northwest Passage in Canada was ice-free since the “Aqua” satellite began recording in 1978.
The Canadian Arctic Northwest Passage is ice-free again this year, while the northern route of Russia has very weakened ice, allowing ships to pass with the help of icebreakers. In addition, dramatic changes have been reported in the “Peterman” glacier, north of Greenland.
The effects of global warming are clear, and one of the processes of thawing is being recorded as the best evidence of climate change.
