Oceans - Arctic CS Flashcards
What is artic amplification?
Increased solar heating as dark water replaces sea ice
How much has the sea ice reduced by?
12.6% loss per decade reduction
What has it meant due to little old ice left?
Rate of thickness decrease has slowed
How much of the sea ice is seasonal?
> 70%
What is sea ice role in the summer?
- Cooling effect -> prevents ocean from absorbing as much heat from solar radiation
When does brine drain out of the ice?
When ice grows increasing salinity
When does salinity decrease?
Fresh water due to sea ice melt
What is the ice albedo feedback?
It is a mechanism that can enhance the decline in sea ice in a warming climate
When is the ice albedo feedback strongest?
During summer when solar radiation is at its peak
Where is Europes largest rare earth mineral deposits found?
Sweden
Why are REM valuable?
Useful for tech and renewable energy
How much are Arctic Russian resources worth?
$1.5 -2 trillion
How many barrels of oil in the Arctic?
90 bn barrels
How many feet of natural gas?
1670 trillion ft^3
How many barrels of liquid natural gas in the Arctic?
44 bn barrels
What are Norways plans in 2023?
Exploit areas on the extended shelf
How has reduction in sea ice impacted exploitation of natural resources?
Made it easier
Which three countries claim the Lomonosov ridge?
Greenland, Russia, Canada
What have the UN not conclude?
On any claim of sovereignty over the Arctic sea bed
When did Russia plant the flag past their EEZ?
2007
Why is Russia the superpower in the region?
- Huge resource extraction industry
- High military presence
What is the estimated value of mineral resources in Russias North?
> $22.4 trillion
What is the 2035 Arctic Strategy?
Strategy for Developing the Russian Arctic Zone and ensuring national security
Who are NATO’s competitors?
The Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China
What military presence does Russia have?
Northern Military Fleet Installations
Where is there increased navigability of the Arctic Ocean?
- Northern Sea Route
- The Northwest Passage
Who is more interested in the region due to trade routes?
China
How much would the journey change if the Europe - Asia trip was take through the Northen Sea Route?
- Reduced to 18 days
- Distance halved
What does thawing ice mean for shipping?
- Reduced time
- Reduced costs
- Longer periods of international trade in the Arctic
What % of people in the Arctic are indigenous people?
10%
Why do indigenous have a specific connection to the land?
- Distinct language
- Culture
- Traditional livelihoods -> fishing & hunting
What impact does the changing Arctic have on indigenous people?
- Impacts traditional harvesting activities -> thin ice - dangerous hunting
- Relocation due to melting permafrost- housing + infrastructure
- Negative health impacts - consuming organic pollutants ingesting seal & whale
