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Polar Meltdown Threatened This Summer

North Pole may be ice free for the first time in human history

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2008 6:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The North Pole may become free of ice this summer for the first time in human history. Thick Arctic sea ice that normally covers the polar region has been replaced by ice that formed only in the last year and is susceptible to seasonal melting, reports the Independent. It's a disturbing, symbolic landmark in global warming, scientists warn.

"For the first time that I am aware of, the North Pole is covered with extensive first-year ice—ice that formed last autumn and winter," said an expert with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado. "I'd say it's even odds whether the North Pole melts out."

A research ship in the Arctic ocean off Barrow, Alaska. Researchers say the North Pole itself could be free of ice for the first time this summer.
A research ship in the Arctic ocean off Barrow, Alaska. Researchers say the North Pole itself could be free of ice for the first time this summer.   (AP Photo/U.S. Coast Guard, Prentice Danner)
New data from the Arctic says that the North pole may become free of ice for the first time in human history this summer.
New data from the Arctic says that the North pole may become free of ice for the first time in human history this summer.   (AP Photo/Courtesy of Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center)
A polar bear peers over the edge of an ice floe. New data from the Arctic suggests the North Pole may be free of ice for the first time this summer.
A polar bear peers over the edge of an ice floe. New data from the Arctic suggests the North Pole may be free of ice for the first time this summer.   (AP Photo/Romas Dabrukas)
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North Pole may be free of ice this summer
National Geographic

North Pole - No ice
CanWest News Service

 
North Pole • University of Washington • polar ice caps • National Snow and Ice Data Center • Arctic sea ice • Arctic Ocean • Goddard Space Flight Center

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