Natural History Wanderings

Scientists report that the Arctic had record losses of ice and snow this past summer. The ice sheet is half of what it was in 2000. The sea loss has a significant impact on the survival of ring seals, polar bear and other arctic animals.

It was also reported that due to lower snow cover and longer growing seasons the tundra is getting increasingly greener and the underlying permafrost is thawing. This has led to a spread of shrubs and increased frequency of tundra fires.

Read more at: Arctic breaks records for loss of snow and ice – latimes.com