Arctic Amplification

Introduction

• Arctic amplification refers to the phenomenon of the Arctic region warming at a faster rate than the global average. This process is driven by various feedback mechanisms and interactions between the atmosphere, ice, and ocean in the Arctic. 

• Arctic Warming: The Arctic has been experiencing rapid warming over the past few decades. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), the Arctic has warmed at a rate of almost twice the global average over the past 30 years.

Factors affecting arctic amplification:

• Ice-Albedo Feedback: Arctic ice reflects solar radiation back into space. As the region warms, ice melts, exposing darker surfaces that absorb more radiation, leading to further warming and ice melting.
• Atmospheric Circulation Changes: Reduction in sea ice affects temperature and pressure patterns, influencing the polar jet stream and weather systems. This can result in more persistent weather patterns, like heatwaves or cold snaps, affecting both the Arctic and other regions.
• Permafrost Thaw: Rising temperatures cause the thawing of Arctic permafrost, releasing stored carbon in the form of methane and carbon dioxide. These greenhouse gases contribute to global warming, creating a positive feedback loop.

Impacts