Sea ice reductions




	Home > Learning Center > Sea ice reductions Sea ice reductions Sea ice reductions directly translate into rising sea water levels. This is one of several main ways climate change and global warming is projected to affect polar regions. Sea ice is formed when salty ocean water freezes (the freezing point is just below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why sea ice tends to form in the polar regions). Global warming is melting the ice, which is raising sea levels and threatening the entire polar ecosystem. Studies have shown sea ice reductions have been increasing since 1978.
Climate Change
Solar Power
Wind Energy
Greenhouse Effect
Energy Conservation
Global Warming
	According to Ned Rozell of the Alaska Science Forum, the planet is cooled by sea ice because the ice and the snow that covers it acts as an insulating lid and a solar energy reflector. Sea ice forms a cap over polar oceans that keeps heat from escaping the ocean from warming the atmosphere. Polar seas contain quite a bit of heat when compared to polar air in winter, which may be 60 degrees F colder. Polar bears are just one species whose existence is threatened by reductions in sea ice.