Arctic sea ice is experiencing significant transformations, with a shift from older, rugged multi-year ice to younger, smoother ice, drastically impacting the ecosystem and ice dynamics. A study from the Alfred Wegener Institute indicates that the melting of extensive, older ice is leading to a decline in both the frequency and height of pressure ridges, crucial structures formed by colliding ice floes. Over 30 years of aerial survey data reveal a 12.2% decrease in pressure ridges in specific Arctic regions per decade.
Pressure ridges are vital for the Arctic ecosystem, affecting energy balance, nutrient availability, and providing habitat for various organisms, including polar bears. Surprisingly, despite younger ice being more prone to deformation, the total reduction in pressure ridges is attributed to the loss of sturdy, resilient multi-year ice. With climate change resulting in thinner ice and increased drift speed, researchers are left questioning complex interrelationships within the ecosystem.
Future research, including a planned expedition with the research vessel Polarstern, aims to explore the ecological impacts of these changes, thereby enhancing understanding and informing strategies for the Arctic’s preservation and sustainable management. The complete dataset from this study is publicly available for further research.
