Why Ice is important to climate regulation?

Much of the Earth’s surface is covered in snow and ice, including sea, lake, and river ice; snow cover; glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets; and frozen land. Climate change can substantially alter the Earth’s snow- and ice-covered areas because snow and ice can quickly transition between solid and liquid phases when temperatures shift only slightly. Temperature increases could accelerate the degradation of permafrost on adjacent lands and release vast quantities of carbon trapped there for thousands of years, accelerating global warming.

What is Climate Change?

The climate is the average temperature of a region over a long period. Climate change is the term for this shift in average conditions. The use of oil, gas, and coal for houses, factories, and transportation is creating the current rapid climate change. Carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases are emitted as they burn. The Earth’s temperature rises as a result of the Sun’s heat because of these gases.

Impact of Climate Change

• Albedo-driven climate change –

  By exposing dark, open waters, sea ice loses its reflective properties, which leaves the ocean surface mostly absorbing most of the energy that comes from the sun. The ocean surface may warm further as a result of ice loss, thereby promoting more ice loss.

• Polar creatures face serious threats –

  Polar species that rely on ice for most or all of their life cycles are particularly vulnerable to global warming. Because their main food source—the krill, a microscopic species at the bottom of the seafood chain—is altering owing to changes in ocean temperatures, some penguin colonies are moving to new areas in the south polar region.

• Indigenous cultures are under threat –

  Indigenous cultures that have thrived in the Arctic for thousands of years are being threatened by changes in animal habitat and abundance.

What is Sea Ice?

Sea ice sheets are made of frozen water that expands and melts in the ocean. An ice shelf forms in the ocean, as opposed to icebergs, glaciers, ice sheets, or ice shelves that begin on land. Some sea ice remains throughout the year in some locations, but the majority expands in the winter and melts in the summer. There is about 15% sea ice covering the world’s oceans part of the year.

One of the approaches scientists use to monitor climate change is to estimate the extent of sea ice. The expanse of ice-covered at any one time in the Arctic Ocean is known as the extent of sea ice. The role of sea ice in reflecting sunlight back into space, controlling ocean and air temperatures, and cycling ocean water is critical.

An overview of sea ice characteristics

The atmosphere, water, snow, and ice all work together to keep the world temperature at a level that is suitable for life. Furthermore, by maintaining relatively stable temperatures throughout the year, these variables avoid dramatic shifts in local climates.

Atmospheric warming is prevented by sea ice

A blanket of sea ice separates the ocean from the atmosphere. The sea ice also prevents the sun from warming the air above by trapping heat from the ocean as it escapes. Ice’s ability to hold heat in the ocean differs depending upon its thickness as well as its extent.

Every summer, a certain amount of ice survives the melting process. Each year, when the ice melts, there is less ice that is stable over time. As a result, Arctic sea ice is at its youngest and thinnest, reducing its blanket ability.

How Melting Ice causes Global Climate Change?

The melting of sea ice gradually diminishes the bright surfaces available to reflect sunlight back into the atmosphere as warming temperatures continue. Ocean temperatures rise as a result of increased absorption of solar energy. As a consequence, warm water makes its way into the ocean. In the fall and winter, warmer water speeds up ice growth, but the ice melts more quickly in the spring, exposing darker ocean waters for longer periods.

Changing amounts of sea ice can disrupt normal ocean circulation, thereby altering the climate.  The Polar Regions are among the most sensitive regions to climate change because even a small temperature increase can lead to significant warming over time.

If there are fewer snowfalls and fewer snow coverings on the ground, water supplies, transportation, cultural practices, travel, and recreation may be harmed. Diminished sea ice may result in coastal erosion and storm damage, and thawing land may result in road and building damage due to erosion induced by reduced sea ice. Reduced snow and ice would also make it easier for others to exploit natural resources and create ice-free transportation routes for commodities.

Changes in climate conditions can have global effects due to the impact of snow and ice on air temperature, sea level, ocean currents, and storm patterns. Melting ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland, for example, supply fresh water to the ocean, rising sea levels and potentially influencing ocean circulation, which is influenced by temperature and salinity changes. Reduced snow and ice cover allow the Earth’s surface to absorb more solar radiation, resulting in a warmer atmosphere. Snow and ice reflect more light than open water or bare land because of their light tint.

Conclusion:

The atmosphere is connected across our planet from end to end, and the Arctic is changing so quickly that we are not even sure how the changes will affect us. There is no doubt in our minds about this.

According to scientists, Earth’s temperature will continue to rise for the next 100 years. More ice and snow will melt on Earth as a result. The ocean will rise in height. The temperature will rise in some places. Some places will experience colder winters with more snowfall. The rain may be heavier in some places. Some places will likely experience less precipitation. Hurricanes might be stronger in some places.