Coldest Canadian Arctic communities face greatest reductions in shorefast sea ice

Sarah W. Cooley (), Jonathan C. Ryan, Laurence C. Smith, Chris Horvat, Brodie Pearson, Brigt Dale and Amanda H. Lynch
Additional contact information
Sarah W. Cooley: Brown University
Jonathan C. Ryan: Brown University
Laurence C. Smith: Brown University
Chris Horvat: Brown University
Brodie Pearson: Brown University
Brigt Dale: Nordland Research Institute
Amanda H. Lynch: Brown University

Nature Climate Change, 2020, vol. 10, issue 6, 533-538

Abstract: Abstract Shorefast sea ice comprises only about 12% of global sea-ice cover, yet it has outsized importance for Arctic societies and ecosystems. Relatively little is known, however, about the dominant drivers of its breakup or how it will respond to climate warming. Here, we use 19 years of near-daily satellite imagery to document the timing of shorefast ice breakup in 28 communities in northern Canada and western Greenland that rely on shorefast ice for transportation and traditional subsistence activities. Breakup timing is strongly correlated with springtime air temperature, but the sensitivity of the relationship varies substantially among communities. We combine these observations with future warming scenarios to estimate an annual reduction of 5–44 days in the length of the springtime shorefast ice season by 2100. Paradoxically, the coldest communities are projected to experience the largest reductions in springtime ice season duration. Our results emphasize the local nature of climate change and its varied impacts on Arctic communities.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-020-0757-5

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