Arctic sea ice cover heading towards another record low?
OSLO, May 31, 2010: The September 2007 sea ice minimum was probably the lowest extent of sea ice aerial extent in the Arctic in 50 years, definitely since satellite observations began in 1979. Last week the sea ice cover fell below the recorded extent at the same time in 2007. Over the two upcoming weeks, shrinking sea ice will thus be one of the hottest science topics… Read more at IPY-OSC.no
Arctic Ice May 2010
May 6, 2010 – The Arctic melt already more rapid than average this year, has begun to accelerate. No doubt that by the end of May 2010, there will be much less sea ice than there was in May 2007… More info & the graph at ScientificBlogging.com
First Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region published
May 4, 2010 – The JRC Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES) has published the first Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region bringing together soil data for all the land masses above the latitude of 50° North. The maps describe the major soil types found in this region, together with their principal properties and characteristics, their main forming processes and their use… Read more at Eoportal.org.
Sewage, jet fuel spilled in Arctic
CBC, May 31, 2010 – Millions of litres of harmful contaminants — including sewage and jet fuel — have been spilled across great swaths of Canada’s pristine Arctic in recent years, an analysis by The Canadian Press has found… All facts at CBC News.
Polar Bears not at Risk: Nunavut, Canada
NUNAVUT, May 31, 2010 – Polar bears have most recently been considered to be a species of special concern in Canada. A federal scientific committee has recommended that the same status apply to the species again. The Nunavut government does not think the polar bear should be classified as a species of special concern under the federal Species at Risk Act, says territorial Environment Minister Daniel Shewchuk… Read more at EyeOnTheArctic
(more…)
