INSIDER
Offering a dose of healing, curious beluga whales frolic in a warming Hudson Bay
Read full article: Offering a dose of healing, curious beluga whales frolic in a warming Hudson BayBeluga whales are called the canaries of the sea because scientists say they are some of the most vocal creatures on Earth.
Pentagon Arctic report calls for more investment in sensors, equipment to keep up with Russia, China
Read full article: Pentagon Arctic report calls for more investment in sensors, equipment to keep up with Russia, ChinaA new Pentagon strategy says the U.S. must invest more to upgrade sensors, communications and space-based technologies in the Arctic to keep pace with China and Russia who are increasingly operating there, including in joint military exercises.
US, Canada and Finland look to build more icebreakers to counter Russia in the Arctic
Read full article: US, Canada and Finland look to build more icebreakers to counter Russia in the ArcticThe United States, Canada and Finland will work together to build up their icebreaker fleets as they look to bolster their defenses in the Arctic, where Russia is increasingly active.
Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska's petroleum reserve
Read full article: Biden administration restricts oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska's petroleum reserveThe U_S_ oil industry’s top lobbying group says Biden administration rules restricting oil and gas leasing in 13 million acres of Alaska’s petroleum reserve are "misguided."
White House promises 'major sanctions' on Russia in response to Alexei Navalny's death
Read full article: White House promises 'major sanctions' on Russia in response to Alexei Navalny's deathThe White House says it is preparing additional “major sanctions” on Russia in response to opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s death last week in an Arctic penal colony.
US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it's climate change
Read full article: US in deep freeze while much of the world is extra toasty? Yet again, it's climate changeWhile the U.S. is shivering through bone-chilling cold, most of the rest of world is feeling unusually warm weather.
Norway is rebuilding a reindeer fence at the border to stop the animals' costly strolls into Russia
Read full article: Norway is rebuilding a reindeer fence at the border to stop the animals' costly strolls into RussiaNorway is rebuilding a dilapidated reindeer fence along its border with Russia in the Arctic to stop the animals from wandering into the neighboring country.
Cruising to Nome: The first U.S. deep water port for the Arctic to host cruise ships, military
Read full article: Cruising to Nome: The first U.S. deep water port for the Arctic to host cruise ships, militaryClimate change is opening up the Arctic, and a $600 million-plus expansion will make Nome on Alaska's western coast the nation’s first deep-water Arctic port.
2022 was fifth or sixth warmest on record as Earth heats up
Read full article: 2022 was fifth or sixth warmest on record as Earth heats upGovernment science teams say that 2022 didn't quite set a record for heat, but it was in the top five or six warmest on record depending on who's doing the measuring.
Metro Detroit weather: Finally...a break
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Finally...a breakWe have now officially made it through the last of that Arctic imprisonment, with a moderating trend starting today. As you read my forecast below, keep in mind that our average high right now is 34 degrees (1 degree Celsius), and our average low is 23 degrees (-5 degrees Celsius).
Shark thought to exist only in the Arctic found in Caribbean, researchers say
Read full article: Shark thought to exist only in the Arctic found in Caribbean, researchers sayIt was quite a discovery in tropical waters to bring in a Greenland shark, which can live for more than 500 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Climate toll on Arctic bases: Sunken runways, damaged roads
Read full article: Climate toll on Arctic bases: Sunken runways, damaged roadsThe Pentagon's inspector general's office says U.S. military bases in the Arctic and sub-Arctic are failing to prepare their installations for future climate change as required.
Metro Detroit weather: More Arctic air moves in and could make for icy conditions this weekend
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: More Arctic air moves in and could make for icy conditions this weekendPatches of light rain and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 30s this afternoon may feel somewhat balmy compared to where we’ve been most of the past six weeks, but wait, yet another Arctic air mass is perched just to our northwest and will arrive tonight. The lead edge of that bitterly cold air, the cold front, will cross the area around midnight. At that point, any rain showers left in the area will transition to a few snow showers, and our wind will shift to the west and then to the northwest.
Metro Detroit weather: Don’t get used to these temps, more Arctic air is on the way
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Don’t get used to these temps, more Arctic air is on the wayA cold front crossed the area Wednesday afternoon, and another one will move through Thursday morning. As such, scattered snow showers are possible tonight, but don’t expect any meaningful impact. Temperatures will only drop into the low 30s (0 degrees Celsius) by dawn, with a southwest wind at 8 to 12 mph.
Metro Detroit weather: Adding a few flakes to cold temperatures
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Adding a few flakes to cold temperaturesAs expected, we had plenty of sunshine today, but it was purely cosmetic sunshine as Arctic air continued its grip on the region. We have another cold night tonight, but not quite as cold as Tuesday night since clouds will increase late at night this time.
Metro Detroit weather: We won’t get the snow, but we’ll get the cold
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: We won’t get the snow, but we’ll get the coldEverything is panning out exactly as expected with the big winter storm that’s now developing to our west. The low-pressure center is now located in northwest Iowa, and it’s diving southeast toward the Gulf coast, taking the snow with it.
Rare snowy owl soars over Washington, thrills crowds
Read full article: Rare snowy owl soars over Washington, thrills crowdsA snowy owl apparently touring iconic buildings of the nation’s capital is captivating birdwatchers who manage to get a glimpse of the rare, resplendent visitor from the Arctic.
UN weather agency affirms 2020 Arctic heat record in Siberia
Read full article: UN weather agency affirms 2020 Arctic heat record in SiberiaThe U.N. weather agency has certified a 38-degree Celsius (100.4 Fahrenheit) reading in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk last year as the highest temperature ever recorded in the Arctic.
US, Russia at odds over military activity in the Arctic
Read full article: US, Russia at odds over military activity in the ArcticThe Biden administration is leading a campaign against Russian attempts to assert authority over Arctic shipping lanes and reintroduce a military dimension to discussions over international activity in the area.
Blinken heads to Iceland meeting with Russia on his mind
Read full article: Blinken heads to Iceland meeting with Russia on his mindSecretary of State Antony Blinken is headed to Europe and North Atlantic islands to put the Biden administration's stamp on climate change policy in the Arctic and warn Russia against interference in the United States, Ukraine and elsewhere.
Putin hails Russian military's performance in Arctic drills
Read full article: Putin hails Russian military's performance in Arctic drillsIn this handout photo taken from a footage released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on March 26, 2021, A Russian nuclear submarine breaks through the Arctic ice during military drills at an unspecified location. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed the military's performance during recent Arctic drills, part of Moscow's efforts to expand its presence in the polar region. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP)MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday hailed the military's performance during recent Arctic drills, part of Moscow's efforts to expand its presence in the polar region. Navy chief Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov reported to Putin that the exercise has featured three nuclear submarines simultaneously breaking through Arctic Ice, and warplanes flying over the North Pole. The video also showed three nuclear submarines that smashed through the Arctic ice next to one another.
NASA space probe spots northern lights on Jupiter
Read full article: NASA space probe spots northern lights on JupiterIf you thought the northern lights were a rare sight for us earthlings, you may want to think again. Those beautiful colors most visible in the Arctic and Antarctic are not only found on Earth: Jupiter has northern lights, too. Northern lights here on Earth result from charged particles from the sun that interact with the earth’s magnetosphere to create that glow that we see. AdPrevious missions did not really provide a good look at the Jovian aurorae, but Juno is a polar-orbiting spacecraft, so these images are our first real deep dive into the planet’s northern lights. New revelations on Jupiter, combined with those recently discovered on Mars, have made for an interesting year of space exploration so far!
EXPLAINER: Topsy-turvy weather comes from polar vortex
Read full article: EXPLAINER: Topsy-turvy weather comes from polar vortexMeteorologists blame the all-too-familiar polar vortex. That's the polar vortex, which spins like a whirling top at the top of the planet. AdThis particular polar vortex breakdown has been a whopper. Warming in the Arctic, with shrinking sea ice, is goosing the atmospheric wave in two places, giving it more energy when it strikes the polar vortex, making it more likely to disrupt the vortex, Cohen said. PATTERN HAS BEEN OBSERVED FOR DECADESThere were strong polar vortex disruptions and cold outbreaks like this in the 1980s, Cohen said.
Metro Detroit school closings: Check the list
Read full article: Metro Detroit school closings: Check the listDETROIT – Winter weather already has prompted some school closings in Metro Detroit. There is plenty of snow expected overnight Monday into Tuesday morning, so you can expect even more closings to be announced. From the Local 4Casters:A bigger storm heading this way from Texas will redevelop snow Monday evening, which will become heavy at times Monday night before winding down Tuesday morning. This should easily be a 6-to-8-inch snowfall, so total snow from what falls both Sunday night/Monday morning and Monday night/Tuesday morning could approach 10 inches in some areas. Weather forecast: 6-to-10 inches of snow tonight
Arctic air advisory in Michigan: Tips for keeping cars in shape for travel
Read full article: Arctic air advisory in Michigan: Tips for keeping cars in shape for travelDETROIT – Temperatures are expected to hover in the teens and single digits throughout this week in Michigan, with wind chills dipping into the negatives. AAA is issuing its own statewide Arctic air advisory and offering the following tips for drivers to help keep their vehicles ready for travel in the cold temps:Battery – Have charging system tested to ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. Engine Coolant – Use one that provides anti-freeze protection down to the lowest temperatures you are likely to encounter; -30oF/-34oC is a good guideline. If you don’t have access to a garage, put a tarp over the hood or park in a wind-protected area. Here’s what you should do to prepare for a dead battery:Always travel with a cell phone and car charger.
Metro Detroit weather: More snow flakes, more cold
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: More snow flakes, more coldNear steady temperatures in the mid-teens (-10 degrees Celsius), which is still quite cold, but not as cold as how we’re starting our Monday morning. Partly cloudy Tuesday night, with lows averaging around 5 degrees (-15 degrees Celsius), but our typically colder rural areas could easily drop to zero (-18 degrees Celsius) or below. AdWeekend outlookSaturday could start with some light snow showers, then we hopefully get a few afternoon breaks of sun. Then mostly sunny on Valentine’s Day -- should be a pretty, albeit cold, day -- perfect for snuggling with your Honey Bunny. We’ll start the day not too far from zero (-17 degrees Celsius), and skyrocket to highs in the mid-teens (-9 degrees Celsius).
Metro Detroit weather: Snow overnight, frigid conditions remain
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Snow overnight, frigid conditions remainIt’s cloudy and frigid, tonight, with snow showers during sleeping hours. Sunday remains frigid after the snow leaves. Arctic air remains locked in place, so snow showers start to arrive and form before midnight and afterward. Overnight lows will be in the middle and upper single digits. A powdery trace and 2 (or more) inches of snow will fall by the end of breakfast, Sunday morning.
Metro Detroit weather: Arctic cold, more snow this weekend
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Arctic cold, more snow this weekendAdWeekend forecastSnow showers diminish Friday night, and it’ll be very cold, with lows in the low teens (-11 degrees Celsius). Mostly cloudy and breezy on Saturday, with highs in the upper teens (-7 degrees Celsius), with wind chills between zero and 5 above zero (-15 to -18 degrees Celsius). Lows Saturday night around 10 degrees (-12 degrees Celsius). Highs Sunday in the mid teens (-8 degrees Celsius), with wind chills during the day on Sunday around zero (-18 degrees Celsius). We’ll get briefly and slightly warmer early in the week as highs return to the low 20s (-6 degrees Celsius), but a resurgence of the Arctic air appears poised to return Wednesday and beyond.
Local 4 News at Noon -- Feb. 5, 2021
Read full article: Local 4 News at Noon -- Feb. 5, 2021DETROIT – Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon. Metro Detroit weather: Several inches of snow before Arctic cold, more snow this weekendWe received between 2.5 and 4 inches of snow overnight, and now we are dealing with the effects of an Arctic cold front sweeping across the area. The winter weather advisory is now set to expire at 7 p.m., and the flood warning for the St. Clair River continues until 12 p.m. as ice blockages continue to cause significant flooding in some areas.
Live weather radar: Snow in Michigan
Read full article: Live weather radar: Snow in MichiganDETROIT – Snow is headed for Metro Detroit once again. Track live radar in the video player above. Have a smart TV? Watch the weather radar on your TVIf you have a smart TV (Apple, Roku, etc. ), you can go to the WDIV Local 4 Detroit channel and stream the live weather radar right there on your TV.
Metro Detroit weather: Several inches of snow fall before Arctic cold front, more snow this weekend
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Several inches of snow fall before Arctic cold front, more snow this weekendWe received between 2.5 and 4 inches of snow overnight, and now we are dealing with the effects of an Arctic cold front sweeping across the area. We will drop through the 20s (-4 to -5 degrees Celsius) this morning, and will hover in the upper teens (-8 degrees Celsius) this afternoon. AdWeekend forecastSnow showers diminish Friday night, and it’ll be very cold, with lows in the low teens (-11 degrees Celsius). Lows Saturday night around 10 degrees (-12 degrees Celsius). Highs Sunday in the mid teens (-8 degrees Celsius), with wind chills during the day on Sunday around zero (-18 degrees Celsius).
Metro Detroit weather: Significant stretch of winter weather on horizon
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Significant stretch of winter weather on horizonThat wind will also keep wind chills around zero (-18 degrees Celsius) Friday afternoon. Mostly cloudy with a snow shower possible Friday night, and lows in the low teens (-11 degrees Celsius). Weekend forecastMostly cloudy and breezy on Saturday, with highs barely making it to 20 degrees (-7 degrees Celsius), and wind chills around zero (-18 degrees Celsius). AdSome light snow may develop later Saturday night, with lows not far from zero (-18 degrees Celsius). Highs in the mid-to-upper teens (-8 degrees Celsius), with wind chills between zero and -5 degrees (-18 to -21 degrees Celsius).
Metro Detroit weather: Arctic cold front approaching; Monday snow storm update
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather: Arctic cold front approaching; Monday snow storm updateHowever, a gusty northwest wind at 10 to 20 mph will keep wind chills well down in the teens (-11 degrees Celsius). Highs in the upper 20s (-2 degrees Celsius) won’t be too hard to take if we can keep that sunshine. Highs near 30 degrees (-1 degrees Celsius). Monday storm updateI’m starting to see a bit of trending toward a more common solution in the overnight computer models, and our Monday storm now looks more like a Monday night storm. I think most of the day Monday will be dry, with perhaps some snow developing late in the day near the state line.
Hot again: 2020 sets yet another global temperature record
Read full article: Hot again: 2020 sets yet another global temperature record(AP Photo/Scott Sonner)Earth’s rising fever hit or neared record hot temperature levels in 2020, global weather groups reported Thursday. “We’re expecting it to get hotter and that’s exactly what happened.”NOAA said 2020 averaged 58.77 degrees (14.88 degrees Celsius), a few hundredths of a degree behind 2016. Japan’s weather agency put 2020 as warmer than 2016, but a separate calculation by Japanese scientists put 2020 as a close third behind 2016 and 2019. Earth has now warmed 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit) since pre-industrial times and is adding another 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 Fahrenheit) a decade. Schmidt said fewer cooling aerosols could be responsible for .09 to .18 degrees (.05 to .1 degrees Celsius) warming for the year.
Scientists return from Arctic with wealth of climate data
Read full article: Scientists return from Arctic with wealth of climate dataThe icebreaker Polarstern, carrying scientists on a year-long international effort to study the high Arctic, has returned to its home port in Germany. The RV Polarstern arrived Monday in the North Sea port of Bremerhaven. “We went above and beyond the data collection we set out to do," said Melinda Webster, a sea ice expert at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, whose work is funded by NASA. “This is an extremely exciting time to get into Arctic science because of the changes that are happening," she said. “We are watching the Arctic sea ice die,” said Rex, adding that he thinks it's possible there may be no summer sea ice in the Arctic soon.
Warming shrinks Arctic Ocean ice to 2nd lowest on record
Read full article: Warming shrinks Arctic Ocean ice to 2nd lowest on recordIce in the Arctic Ocean melted to its second lowest level on record this summer, triggered by global warming along with natural forces, U.S. scientists reported Monday. The extent of ice-covered ocean at the North Pole and extending further south to Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Russia reached its summertime low of 1.4 million square miles (3.7 million square kilometers) last week before starting to grow again. Arctic sea ice reaches its low point in September and its high in March after the winter. This year's melt is second only to 2012, when the ice shrank to 1.3 million square miles (3.4 million square kilometers), according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, which has been keeping satellite records since 1979. In the 1980s, the ice cover was about 1 million square miles (2.7 million square kilometers) bigger than current summer levels.
Dismay as huge chunk of Greenland’s ice cap breaks off
Read full article: Dismay as huge chunk of Greenland’s ice cap breaks offThe glacier is at the end of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream, where it flows off land and into the ocean. The glacier is at the end of the Northeast Greenland Ice Stream, where it flows off the land and into the ocean. It shows that the area's ice losses for the past two years each exceeded 50 square kilometers (19 square miles). The ice shelf has lost 160 square miles (62 square miles), an area nearly twice that of Manhattan in New York, since 1999. “We should be very concerned about what appears to be progressive disintegration at the Arctic’s largest remaining ice shelf,” said GEUS professor Jason Box.
UN agency laments summer's 'deep wound' to Earth's ice cover
Read full article: UN agency laments summer's 'deep wound' to Earth's ice coverGENEVA The United Nations weather agency says this summer will go down for leaving a deep wound in the cryosphere -- the planets frozen parts -- amid a heat wave in the Arctic, shrinking sea ice and the collapse of a leading Canadian ice shelf. The weather agency said in a statement that many new temperature records have been set in recent months, including in the Russian town of Verkhoyansk. The town, located in Siberia above the Arctic Circle line, reached 38 degrees Celsius (100 F) on June 20. She noted a heat wave across the Arctic, r ecord-breaking wildfires in Siberia, nearly record-low sea ice extent, and the collapse of one of the last fully intact Canadian ice shelves. The WMO is preparing to release on Sept. 9 a report on the impact of climate change on the cryosphere.
Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard Islands
Read full article: Dutch man killed by polar bear on Norway's Svalbard IslandsThe Longyearbyen camp site after a polar bear attacked the site and killed a man in Norway's remote Svalbard Islands in the Arctic, Friday Aug. 28, 2020. The polar bear was killed. (Line Nagell Ylvisaker / NTB scanpix via AP)COPENHAGEN A polar bear attacked a camping site Friday in Norway's remote Svalbard Islands, killing a 38-year-old Dutch man before being shot and killed by onlookers, authorities on the Arctic island said. This is also a strong reminder that we are in polar bear country and must take the precautions to secure ourselves, Elvedahl later said. ___A previous version of this story was corrected to show that the last fatal polar bear mauling was in 2011, not 2001.
Scientists on Arctic mission make unplanned detour to pole
Read full article: Scientists on Arctic mission make unplanned detour to poleBERLIN A German icebreaker carrying scientists on a year-long international expedition in the high Arctic has reached the North Pole, after making an unplanned detour there due to lighter-than-usual sea ice conditions. Expedition leader Markus Rex said Wednesday the RV Polarstern was able to reach the geographic North Pole because of large openings in sea ice above Greenland, where shipping would normally be too difficult. The mushy ice conditions the Polarstern encountered this year provide further evidence of the warming that scientists say is taking place in the Arctic. The MOSAiC expedition involves scientists from 17 nations, including the United States, France, Russia and China. The coronavirus pandemic almost caused the mission to be cut short, as travel restrictions made resupply and crew rotations difficult.
Canada's last intact ice shelf collapses due to warming
Read full article: Canada's last intact ice shelf collapses due to warmingMuch of Canada's remaining intact ice shelf has broken apart into hulking iceberg islands thanks to a hot summer and global warming, scientists said. Canada's 4,000-year-old Milne Ice Shelf on the northwestern edge of Ellesmere Island had been the country's last intact ice shelf until the end of July when ice analyst Adrienne White of the Canadian Ice Service noticed that satellite photos showed that about 43% of it had broken off. The biggest is nearly the size of Manhattan 21 square miles (55 square kilometers) and 7 miles long (11.5 kilometers). Without a doubt, it's climate change, Copland said, noting the ice shelf is melting from both hotter air above and warmer water below. By 2005 it was down to six remaining ice shelves but the Milne was really the last complete ice shelf, she said.
US names new Arctic envoy in push to expand reach in region
Read full article: US names new Arctic envoy in push to expand reach in regionWASHINGTON The Trump administration on Wednesday named a special envoy for the Arctic, filling a post that had been vacant for more than three years as the administration seeks a greater role in the region and tries to blunt growing Russian and Chinese influence there. Pompeo has spoken in the past about the Trump administration's determination to prevent Russia and China from playing a dominant role in the Arctic, which is heavily affected by climate change. Russia has expanded military bases in its Arctic regions, and China has sought to declare itself a near-Arctic nation despite having no territory near the area. DeHart is 28-year foreign service officer and was most recently senior adviser for security negotiations and agreements. 2 diplomat in Norway, which has extensive Arctic interests.
Climate change makes freak Siberian heat 600 times likelier
Read full article: Climate change makes freak Siberian heat 600 times likelier(Olga Burtseva via AP)Nearly impossible without man-made global warming, this years freak Siberian heat wave is producing climate changes most flagrant footprint of extreme weather, a new flash study says. International scientists released a study Wednesday that found the greenhouse effect multiplied the chance of the regions prolonged heat by at least 600 times, and maybe tens of thousands of times. World Weather Attributions past work has found some weather extremes were not triggered by climate change. This event is really worrying, said study co-author Olga Zolina, a climate scientist at the P.P. These types of studies allow people and world leaders to connect the dots between extreme weather events and climate change and prepare for them, said French climate scientist Valerie Masson-Delmotte, who wasnt part of the research.
Russia detains managers of plant that spilled fuel in Arctic
Read full article: Russia detains managers of plant that spilled fuel in ArcticMOSCOW Russian authorities have detained three top managers of an Arctic power plant that leaked 20,000 tons of diesel fuel into the ecologically fragile region. Together with Vyacheslav Starostin, another manager at the plant arrested and charged earlier this month, they may face up to five years in prison. Much of the spilled fuel fouled waterways in the Norilsk area and there is concern it could affect wildlife or make its way into the Arctic Ocean. Some of it has seeped into a lake, connected by a river to the Kara Sea, part of the Arctic Ocean, but local authorities hope to contain it there. The power plant is operated by a division of Norilsk Nickel, whose giant plants in the area have made Norilsk, 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) northeast of Moscow, one of the most heavily polluted cities in the world.
Siberian governor says leaked oil spilled into Arctic lake
Read full article: Siberian governor says leaked oil spilled into Arctic lakeThis handout photo provided by Vasiliy Ryabinin shows oil spill outside Norilsk, 2,900 kilometers (1,800 miles) northeast of Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 29, 2020. Russian authorities have charged Vyacheslav Starostin, the director of an Arctic power plant that leaked 20,000 tons of diesel fuel into the ecologically fragile region on May 29, 2020, with violating environmental regulations. (Vasiliy Ryabinin via AP)MOSCOW Some of the 20,000 tons of diesel oil that leaked from a power plant has seeped into a fragile Arctic lake, the regional governor said Tuesday. The fuel leaked when a storage tank at the power plant in Norilsk collapsed. The director of the power plant was charged Monday with violating environmental regulations.
Wildlife rehab center caring for snowy owl found in northern Michigan
Read full article: Wildlife rehab center caring for snowy owl found in northern MichiganGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A snowy owl found in northern Michigan last week needs to gain some weight before she can be released back into the wild. The bird was discovered on the side of a road on Drummond Island on Thursday. A snowy owl was found on Drummond Island on Dec. 5, 2019. (Drummond Island Animal Clinic)The Drummond Island Animal Clinic said snowy owls move south when Arctic weather is harsh and food supplies are diminished. Keep up with the animal clinic on Facebook for updates on the owl.
Metro Detroit weather forecast: Cloudy, but milder Sunday
Read full article: Metro Detroit weather forecast: Cloudy, but milder SundayFortunately it remains dry, but rain is the picture early this week with an Arctic blast mid-week. Families will need winter coats and hats to stay warm while going to and from morning services and activities. With the wind out of the south at 10 to 15 mph, milder air arrives. High temperatures will be above average for a change; in the middle and upper 40s. Each night time and early morning low will be in the teens with wind chills in the single digits.
Arctic in hot water: Sea ice minimal in Chukchi, Bering seas
Read full article: Arctic in hot water: Sea ice minimal in Chukchi, Bering seasIn the Chukchi Sea northwest of Alaska this month, which should be brimming with floes, its limits likely wont be tested. Sea ice is creeping toward the city from the east in the Beaufort Sea, but to find sea ice in the Chukchi, the Sikuliaq would have to head northwest for about 200 miles (322 kilometers). Sea ice is also a one of the most important physical elements of the Chukchi and Bering seas. Female walruses with young use sea ice as a resting platform and follow the ice edge south as it moves into the Bering Sea. Forecasting sea ice is notoriously difficult but Thoman, the ex-weather forecaster, said he expects a less than robust year for sea ice.
Scientists find highest-ever 'flares' of methane in Arctic waters
Read full article: Scientists find highest-ever 'flares' of methane in Arctic watersARCTIC OCEAN - Russian scientists studying Arctic waters found the most powerful ever methane jets shooting up from the seabed to the water's surface, they said. The methane emissions in the Arctic, fueled by the melting of permafrost on the sea floor, are one driver of climate change, NASA said. The team studied more than 60 sites known to have had methane emissions at the water's surface in the past. He said the methane emissions, which look like torches or flares, are "all increasing." The methane releases contribute to global warmingSemiletov said so far the increasing methane emissions are a "significant contribution" to global warming, "but not catastrophic."
U-M researchers detect bromine atoms in springtime Arctic
Read full article: U-M researchers detect bromine atoms in springtime ArcticResearchers at the University of Michigan have detected bromine atoms in the atmosphere for the first time. Although researchers have suspected bromine reacts with ozone and mercury, no one has measured bromine atoms found in the atmosphere until now. According to Wang, bromine atoms are extremely difficult to measure simply because there are very few places they exist on Earth and because bromine is only reactive at lower levels. Bromine is synthesized when sunlight meets the Arctic snow, causing a chemical reaction in the snow's surface to produce molecular bromine two bromine atoms hooked together. With this new capability of measuring bromine atoms, we can improve our ability to predict mercury chemistry on a global scale, Wang said.