Melted Sea Ice Absorbs Carbon Dioxide Offsetting Some GW Impact

Overall the team calculated that the entire Arctic Ocean is capable of absorbing up to 66 million tons of carbon dioxide annually -- more is possible if the sea ice melting continues.

by Staff Writers
UPI Correspondent
Kingston (UPI) Jan 08, 2007
Melting Arctic sea ice allows the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, offsetting some global warming effects, scientists said in Jamaica. Ice melting during the last 30 years tripled the amount of carbon dioxide the Arctic Ocean can absorb, New Scientist said Monday.

A research team lead by Nick Bates of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences calculated carbon dioxide absorption in the Arctic Ocean by taking measurements in the Chuckchi Sea and Canada basin in 2002 and 2004. They found the carbon dioxide uptake from the atmosphere increased dramatically during the summer months, when sea ice was at a minimum.

"Sea ice acts as a barrier to gas exchange," says Bates.

Overall the team calculated that the entire Arctic Ocean is capable of absorbing up to 66 million tons of carbon dioxide annually -- more is possible if the sea ice melting continues.

However, the amount won't balance global warming. Currently worldwide carbon dioxide emissions are over 30 billion tons a year.

Source: United Press International

CLIMATE SCIENCE

EU Presses US Before Launch Of Climate Plan

Washington (AFP) Jan 08, 2007
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso Monday challenged the United States to join Europe's battle against climate change, days before the bloc is due to adopt a landmark energy plan.

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