The Arctic This Week Take Five: Week of October 26, 2020
Rising Methane from Siberia
On October 27 it was reported that an international team of 60 researchers onboard Russian research vessel R/V Akademik Keldysh had found evidence of methane being released from sediments at six different observation points over a 150 kilometer (93 miles) by 10 kilometer (6 miles) area of the continental slope off Eastern Siberia. In addition, methane concentrations of as much as 1,600 nanomoles per liter were recorded on the slope of the Laptev Sea. The methane bubbles discovered were still absorbed by the ocean, but the concentration of methane at the surface is between four to eight times higher than normal, slowly making its way to the atmosphere. (ACES, EcoWatch, The Guardian)
Take 1: Slope sediments in the Arctic contain a huge amount of frozen methane and other gases (known as hydrates), and hydrate destabilization is one of the most serious scenarios for abrupt climate change. It has been unknown until now that methane is actually starting to be released from the continental slope off the Eastern Siberian coast. This is of huge concern as methane released to the atmosphere can accelerate the pace of global warming. It is important to keep in mind that these findings from the International Siberian Shelf Study are still preliminary and need to be properly analyzed and confirmed upon return to White Sea port of Arkhangelsk, Russia on November 4. However, if true, it is clear that we are in big trouble if we don’t work to reverse such a trend.
Arctic Sea Ice in Siberia Slow to Refreeze
Reports coming in this week indicate that the Laptev Sea, just north of Siberia, has yet to start refreezing. This is the first time since record keeping began that the ice has not frozen by this time in late October. The delayed freeze is a result of the extended warm period that has occurred over Siberia and the continual inflow of warm Atlantic waters. Even with cooling temperatures, trapped heat in the area takes a longer time to dissipate into the atmosphere. (Phys.org, Smithsonian Magazine, The Guardian)
Take 2: Climate scientists are not surprised that this is occurring as climate models predict that the Arctic will be ice-free over the summer sometime between 2030 and 2050. Yet, for most people not familiar with the role of sea ice, the loss of it might not appear to be some great thing. Contrary to that thought, the Laptev Sea is considered the “nursery of Arctic sea ice.” Ice here usually forms along the coast, then begins to push west. As it goes west it carries much needed nutrients into Arctic waters, feeding the plankton there. Plankton not only reduce carbon in the atmosphere but are also a valuable part of the food chain. Decreasing ice thus increases the imbalance in the whole Arctic ecosystem. When ice freezes later in the season it is thinner and doesn’t carry the nutrients as far west.
The U.S. Continues to Court Denmark and Greenland
On October 28, news broke that White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien had led a virtual summit with leaders from Denmark and Greenland to continue the process of finalizing agreements on security and diplomatic cooperation, as well as trade and investment initiatives. Details from the meeting were not shared, but the meeting is part of the U.S.’ attempt to strengthen ties with Greenland and ice out China from the region. (New York Post, The Wall Street Journal)
Take 3: This is not the first time the U.S. has expressed an interest in Greenland. The U.S. already has a decades old defense treaty with Denmark, and the U.S.’ northernmost military base, Tule Air Base, which includes a missile early-warning system, has been located on the island since 1943. More recently, in 2019, the Trump administration wanted to purchase Greenland due to its strategic location and rich supply of rare minerals, but it wasn’t up for sale. Strengthening ties with the Danish territory will be the best option for the U.S. to exert more influence in the Arctic region, and make sure that China, that previously attempted to sign a deal to finance three airports on the island, stays away. So far it looks like the U.S. might have a good chance of seeing this happening.
A Seismic Test Proposal for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
It was reported on October 24 that the United States released new plans to conduct seismic tests in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in order to look for signs of oil there. The Bureau of Land Management released a proposal submitted by the Alaska Native Village corporation aiming to begin those tests in December. In the proposal the Corporation uses technology to create 3D images of the underground formations. It estimates that living quarters for 180 workers and heavy trucks will be required to deploy across the tundra. It also recognizes that the potential for damaging the tundra exists and aims for work to only be conducted in areas that are snow covered and frozen. The proposal is open for public comments for 14 days before a decision is made by the Bureau of Land Management to issue a permit. (New York Times)
Take 4: The proposal aims to survey an area the U.S. has opened to oil and gas development. While environmental groups have repeatedly tried to delay these plans and have come out to criticize the most recent proposal in reality, there is not much else they can do until after the U.S. elections. Perhaps a Biden administration will be more favorable to their objections. Either way, the debate about land drilling in the refuge is set to continue. Also, it must be noted that while the proposal makes it clear that it aims to reduce damage done to the environment, past experience has shown that seismic work and all the logistics that support it, do a certain level of damage. It’s just a risk of the work.
Arctic Culture Arrives in London
The British Museum in London has just opened its latest exhibition “Arctic: Culture and Climate” which will stay open to the public till February 2021. The exhibition functions as an immersive experience that includes artwork, artefacts, photos and videos, as well as light and soundscape. It tells the story of the 400,000 Indigenous People living in the Arctic over the past 30,000 years and reveals their creativity and resourcefulness in harsh and changing conditions. (NewScientist, The British Museum)
Take 5: The British Museum’s new exhibition is great because it gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the people who live in the Arctic and appreciate their stories. While the exhibition definitely reminds us about our climate emergency, it can also provide a glimmer of hope when seeing how inhabitants of the Arctic have survived and thrived throughout history despite many challenges. It can for sure teach us more about human resilience. The exhibit also has the chance of getting the Arctic story out into the greater world. The more people feel connected to an area and its people, the more they will perhaps be willing to do something if that area is threatened.