Marked decrease in Arctic pressure ridges
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 January 2025
Arctic pressure ridges are shrinking in height and frequency due to the loss of multiyear sea ice, according to a new AWI study. This decline affects ecosystems, polar bear habitats, and ice dynamics, raising concerns for the region’s stability.
Keywords: Arctic sea ice, pressure ridges, multiyear ice, AWI, sea-ice dynamics, ecosystem impacts
Ocean Warming and Thawing Permafrost Reduce the Arctic Ocean's Biological Carbon Storage and CO2 Uptake
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 January 2025
Despite more sunlight and nutrients boosting Arctic photosynthesis, a new AWI study finds the ocean’s carbon pump is weakening. Increased recycling and land carbon inputs reduce deep carbon storage, challenging assumptions about Arctic carbon sinks.
Keywords: Arctic Ocean, carbon pump, permafrost thaw, net primary production, AWI, biogeochemistry
More and stronger marine heatwaves in the Arctic – with severe consequencesMore and stronger marine heatwaves in the Arctic – with severe consequences
Alfred Wegener Institute (AWI)
Published: 6 January 2025
As Arctic sea ice retreats, marine heatwaves will grow more frequent and intense, causing extreme temperature swings. A new AWI study warns of disrupted nutrient mixing and major threats to Arctic marine ecosystems and food webs.
Keywords: temperature fluctuations, ecosystem impact, AWI, nutrient mixing, food web, high-resolution models
