This module gives a general overview of environmental issues that affect the Arctic, including climate change related themes. Compiled by Ake Bjorke, Lars Kullerud UNEP/GRID-Arendal, and Olav Hesjedal
What are the chances of abrupt releases of, say, 1 Gt of methane in the Arctic? What would be the impact of such a release? This scientific article offers detailed explanations of the stability of methane, impacts of hydrates, and data provided by NOAA and IPCC. Strong bibliography for this resource.
Methane in arctic permafrosts being studied by University of Alaska professor. This article describes methane's potential impact on global climate change.
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks are studying the East Siberian Arctic Shelf region and finding the seafloor there holds vast stores of frozen methane and is showing signs of instability and widespread venting of the powerful greenhouse gas. In this video University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist Natalia Shakhova discusses the East Siberian Arctic Shelf area.
Teacher Betsy Wilkening and researchers publish an article in the Journal of Geophysical Research stemming from their work on the PolarTREC OASIS project.
A link to the Young Explores Grant and Program. Today, Young Explorers grants help cover field project costs for hard-working, passionate, creative individuals with great ideas. We focus on the disciplines we're known for, and also on emerging fields that matter most to understanding—and improving—the world we share.
During Lesley Urasky’s expedition, “Glacial History in Antarctica”, the team collected rock samples which were taken back to the University of Washington to be dated using cosmogenic (exposure) dating. This method of radiometric dating measures the ratio of isotopes of Beryllium (9Be:10Be) produced by the interaction of cosmic rays with minerals in rocks. This lesson will introduce the student to