Natural variability of Arctic sea ice over the Holocene

Abstract

The area and volume of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is decreasing, with some predicting ice‐free summers by 2100 A.D. [ Johannessen et al ., 2004]. The implications of these trends for transportation and ecosystems are profound; for example, summer shipping through the Northwest Passage could be possible, while loss of sea ice could cause stress for polar bears. Moreover, global climate may be affected through albedo feedbacks and increased sea ice production and export. With more open water, more new sea ice forms in winter, which melts and/or gets exported out of the Arctic.