Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 11/19/2008 - 07:34
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Oden Antarctic Expedition 08

why is the ice so thin?????

 

Wed, 11/19/2008 - 17:56

Jeff Peneston

Thin ice?   I think you are asking about the loss of sea ice in both the Arctic & Antarctic.  
Most of the reason that there is less sea ice is that the Earth’s overall climate is warming and most of the impact is being felt at the poles.  In general, the heat that builds up in the tropics near the equator is pushed toward the poles by weather patterns and ocean currents. Although the effects of global warming can be hard to see in the tropics and mid-latitudes (where most of us live), the warming (and ice thinning) is easier to see, as you get closer to the poles.
However, it is important to remember that these questions can get complicated too.  The exact causes and outcomes of climate change are hard to measure.  For example, there is less sea ice in most places but in certain parts of Antarctica, there has been an increase in sea ice!?!   Some scientists are working hard to figure out why.  What makes those few places special?
Science is not about knowing the answers; it is about searching for answers.
Thanks for the question.
Jeff Peneston