Arctic Muds Reveal Sea Ice Record

A new technique to track changes in the extent of Arctic sea ice over the past 1,000 years is being developed by a UK team of the University of Plymouth. The scientists are stying sediments from the sea bed in the fabled Northwest Passage. These muds may cast valuable historical light on why some famous expeditions to the region were successful while others were doomed to failure. The research could also guide computer forecasts of future climate. The reasoning is that, as with tree rings and coral growth, the thin layers of sediment which build up on the ocean floor act as a storehouse of information about the patterns of past conditions. The Plymouth work is being conducted from the Canadian Coast Guard ship, the Amundsen.

Arctic Ice Withdrawal Shatters Record

US Scientists have confirmed that Arctic sea ice shrank to the smallest area on record this year. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) said the minimum extent of 1.59 million square miles was reached on September 16. This figure shatters all previous satellite surveys, including the previous record low measured in 2005. The Northwest Passage was open earlier this month. This year, ships have been able to complete navigation of the fabled Arctic shipping route from the Atlantic to the Pacific which is normally ice-bound at some location throughout the year.