ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN THE ARCTIC: OBSERVATIONS AND CAUSES

Friday,December 10, 2004

Room 825 SWM, 1:00 PM

Peter Schlosser

Vinton Professor of Earth & Environmental Engineering

Abstract

During the past decade major changes have been observed in the Arctic
system including the physical, chemical, and biological subsystems, as well as the human domain. The changes have raised questions about their causes, patterns, persistence, and predictability. The talk will highlight observations of change in the surface air temperature, the oceanic circulation, the cryosphere (sea ice extent and mass, as well as and melting of glacial ice), the depth of permafrost and the human domain. Projected future changes will be outlined and possible impacts will be discussed. Finally, links to global change will be addressed.