Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 04/08/2007 - 11:44
Forums
SIMBA Antarctic Sea Ice

Hey Ms. Anderson,

 My Environmental Science class was recently learning about the reasons for decreasing amounts of sea ice. I was wondering if you think it is naturally or human-caused. Also, what should we do about it if it continues to be a problem?

Thanks-Mariel Calhoun

Thu, 08/16/2007 - 09:09

Sarah Anderson

Thanks for your question...from what I understand the Arctic ice and the Antarctic ice aren't behaving in the same manner. There hasn't been a lot of work studying the ice in the area that we'll visit, and we'll be collecting a lot of data that can be used in the future to see if changes are occuring.As for the Arctic ice, I'm not sure about the causes. There have definitely been cycles of warming and cooling in Earth's history, but its hard to think we haven't caused some of the current warming. I'm just not sure to what extent; I think a lot of other folks think the same way.
I would encourage you to study the matter for yourself - read all you can from a variety of reputable sources and consider all the variables involved. Too many people will take for fact something they have only seen on tv or read in a novel...so my message is keep learning!
Mrs. Anderson