Yay! We're Saved! Arctic Sea Ice Extent Only 3rd-Lowest On Record As Season Turns - BBC

[hatrack]

This summer's melt of Arctic sea ice has not been as profound as in the last two years, scientists said as the ice began its annual Autumn recovery. At its smallest extent this summer, on 12 September, the ice covered 5.10 million sq km (1.97 million sq miles).

This was larger than the minima seen in the last two years, and leaves 2007's record low of 4.1 million sq km (1.6 million sq miles) intact. But scientists note the long-term trend is still downwards. They note that at this year's minimum, the ice covered 24% less ocean than for the 1979-2000 average. The analysis is compiled from satellite readings at the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) in Boulder, Colorado.

Colder front

Among the reasons for the less drastic melt are that Arctic temperatures have been cooler this year than last, researchers said, and that winds have helped disperse sea ice across the region. NSIDC scientist Walt Meier said the reasons for the somewhat cooler temperatures this year were not entirely clear yet.

"We had cloudier conditions and low pressure zones in late summer that probably helped keep temperatures down," he told BBC News.

EDIT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8261953.stm

[truebrit71]

1. I knew Al Gore was full of shit...Drill baby Drill!!!

:sarcasm:

[krispos42]

2. Aha, I knew it!!!

Global warming is a myth! By stock in makers of toques, ushankas, and long underwear!!!