The Changing Climate of the Arctic

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The first and strongest signs of global-scale climate change exist in the high latitudes of the planet. Evidence is now accumulating that the Arctic is warming, and responses are being observed across physical, biological, and social systems. The impact of climate change on oceanographic, sea-ice, and atmospheric processes is demonstrated in observational studies that highlight changes in temperature and salinity, which influence global oceanic circulation, also known as thermohaline circulation, as well as a continued decline in sea-ice extent and thickness, which influences communication between oceanic and atmospheric processes. Perspectives from Inuvialuit community representatives who have witnessed the effects of climate change underline the rapidity with which such changes have occurred in the North. An analysis of potential future impacts of climate change on marine and terrestrial ecosystems underscores the need for the establishment of effective adaptation strategies in the Arctic. Initiatives that link scientific knowledge and research with traditional knowledge are recommended to aid Canada's northern communities in developing such strategies.Key words: Arctic climate change, marine science, sea ice, atmosphere, marine and terrestrial ecosystems RÉSUMÉ. Les premiers signes et les signes les plus révélateurs attestant du changement climatique qui s'exerce à l'échelle planétaire se manifestent dans les hautes latitudes du globe. Il existe de plus en plus de preuves que l'Arctique se réchauffe, et diverses réactions s'observent tant au sein des systèmes physiques et biologiques que sociaux. Les incidences du changement climatique sur les processus océanographiques, la glace de mer et les processus atmosphériques s'avèrent évidentes dans le cadre d'études d'observation qui mettent l'accent sur les changements de température et de salinité, changements qui exercent une influence sur la circulation océanique mondiale -également appelée circulation thermohaline -ainsi que sur le déclin constant de l'étendue et de l'épaisseur de glace de mer, ce qui influence la communication entre les processus océaniques et les processus atmosphériques. Les perspectives de certains Inuvialuits qui ont été témoins des effets du changement climatique font mention de la rapidité avec laquelle ces changements se produisent dans le Nord. L'analyse des incidences éventuelles du changement climatique sur les écosystèmes marin et terrestre fait ressortir la nécessité de mettre en oeuvre des stratégies d'adaptation efficaces dans l'Arctique. Des initiatives reliant les recherches et connaissances scientifiques aux connaissances traditionnelles sont recommandées afin de venir en aide aux collectivités du Nord canadien pour que celles-ci puissent aboutir à de telles stratégies.Mots clés : changement climatique de l'Arctique, sciences de la mer, glace de mer, atmosphère, écosystèmes marin et terrestre Traduit pour la revue Arctic par Nicole Giguère.

Distribution patterns of the peracarid crustaceans associated with the alga Corallina elongata along the intertidal rocky shores of the Iberian Peninsula

“…During the last decade, changes in the species distribution in marine ecosystems due to the climatic change are increasing (Francour et al 1994;Walther et al 2002;Macdonald et al 2005;Harley et al 2006;Barber et al 2008). Further studies are necessary to explore whether observed patterns of the peracarid species are strictly consequence of natural factors or are already affected by the climatic change.…”

Summertime primary production and carbon export in the southeastern Beaufort Sea during the low ice year of 2008

“…In addition, the potential impact of bacterial activity on the isotopic signature of the sinking material due to longer deployment time at this station is considered negligible. Storms have increased in frequency and intensity in the Beaufort Sea over the past decade (Yang et al 2004;Barber et al 2008), leading to increases in coastal erosion/horizontal advection near the coast (Hill et al 1991;Dunton et al 2006;Walker et al 2008). We cannot evaluate if the terrigenous signature at Stn CA16 was of transient nature or if it reflects such broader changes in Arctic coastal dynamics.…”

“…The exceptional decline in the sea ice extent in summers 2007 and 2008 (Comiso et al 2008;Stroeve et al 2008;NSIDC 2010), the increase Arctic river discharge Peterson et al 2002;White et al 2007), the increase in frequency and intensity of storms (Yang et al 2004;Barber et al 2008), the sea surface warming (Steele et al 2008), and the thawing of permafrost (Camill 2005) are all evidences of global warming in Arctic. These changes stress the need to better understand biogenic carbon cycling and energy transfer pathways on Arctic shelves and to study the impact of the recent intensification of environmental changes taking place in the Arctic.…”

Observed Regional Climate Variability during the Last 50 Years in Reindeer Herding Cooperatives of Finnish Fell Lapland

“…The living conditions of Arctic and sub-Arctic communities are affected by climate variability and environmental changes [1][2][3], with direct impacts on health and quality of life [4]. In Northern Finland, where the population is scattered and land use needs can lead to conflict, climate change seems to be the most prominent driver of change, even though other environmental and socioeconomic pressures have an undeniable impact on socio-ecological systems too [5,6].…”