Scientists have discovered that the volume of ice in the Arctic sea has increased more than a quarter after summer of the year 2013 and 2014 ended. A recent study published in the journal Nature Geoscience records the deviation of the general downward trend of ice levels in the region.
According to the researchers, the loss of ice in the past three years which was caused by its melting was more than compensated. The increase can be attributed to the decline in summer temperatures during the period.
Scientists regularly check and study the Greenland ice sheet and other neighboring sea ice using high-tech devices. The Operation Ice Bridge team fly low over the icy region and examine the area using digital and thermal imaging cameras which delivers high resolution shots. A laser altimeter, high-end radar suite and other devices are also used.
The Operation Ice Bridge team safely returned from their seventh mission which lasted 10 weeks in Greenland. The team examined the ice above 33 times using a modified C-130 cargo plane.
From 2010 to 2012, the volume of ice decreased by 14% then recovered in the following years. In the year 2013, a 33% increase in the volume was recorded while in 2014, 25% of increase occurred.
However, the scientists do not consider the incident a sign of recovery. They pointed out that ice will still keep on shrinking in the decades to come. The increase in ice volume cannot stop the long-term melting of ice in the Arctic region.
The sea ice surrounding the North Pole plays a significant role in the global temperature regulation, atmospheric circulation and controlling ocean currents. But it is melting in a faster rate each year because of its sensitivity to changing temperatures compared to other areas of the planet. As a precaution, NASA is investing a lot to monitor the situation by sending a science mission.
Rachel Tilling, a researcher from the University College London who is also the author of the study contradicts the assumptions of many.
"We don't want it to be seen as any kind of recovery. It really is just one anomalous year."
