Arctic Warming

Another indication of climate change is the warming of the Arctic, which as expected has been greater than the rest of the planet.

Both surface and satellite measured temperatures clearly show this significant longer-term warming trend in the Arctic.

Decreasing sea ice and an increase in soot has reduced the albedo in the Arctic, allowing more of the sun's energy to be absorbed at the surface. As more heat energy is absorbed the melting snow and ice is also exposing more permafrost. As permafrost thaws out it releases methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas.

The images below clearly show that most of the warming has been across the far northern latitudes.....

Annual temperature anomaly trend since 1880. Image from GISS.

Annual temperature anomaly trend since 1950. Image from GISS.

Annual temperature anomaly trend since 1990. Image from GISS.

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Zonal temperature anomaly change since 1950 by month. Image from GISS.

Most significant warming north of 55 degrees has been over the last 20 years. Image from GISS.

Satellite temperature anomaly data of the lower troposphere also supports this. Image courtesy of Remote Sensing Systems.

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