The Arctic and Antarctica continue to melt rapidly, revealing ancient things hidden beneath the ice
The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth. Ice and snow are melting, and Arctic sea ice is thinning and retreating. This means that algae living on the bottom of the sea ice are getting more sunlight, leading to an annual summer bloom once there is enough light. Erebus, located on Antarctica’s Ross Island (separated from the mainland by McMurdo Sound), is the southernmost active volcano on Earth; the second-tallest on the sixth continent, at 3,794 metres.
Melting glaciers reveal unknown species and meteorite remains
Glaciers are capable of preserving information about the history of the Earth, as they trap dust particles, traces of gas, microbes and plant matter from the environment.
Melting ice contributes to the shift of the Earth’s poles and tropical zones
The Earth’s poles have already shifted by four meters, and this process will continue in the future. Scientists believe the reasons for the displacement are melting glaciers and excessive consumption of groundwater.
Global warming contributes to severe storms and floods
The World Meteorological Organization warns that high water temperatures are leading to rising sea levels, which in turn increases the risk of flooding.
By the middle of the 21st century, Arctic ice may completely melt in summer
The planet’s “refrigerator” has broken down. The Arctic Ocean will be completely free of summer ice by 2030. This assumption was put forward by scientists in connection with the noticeable warming of the Arctic Ocean and the melting of Arctic ice.