Why has the temperature of the Arctic Ocean changed during the last 40 years

Answer 1

There are several factors that have contributed to the change in temperature of the Arctic Ocean over the last 40 years:

1. Climate change: The overall increase in global temperatures due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, has led to the warming of the Arctic region. This has resulted in the melting of sea ice and an increase in ocean temperatures.

2. Decrease in sea ice: The loss of sea ice in the Arctic Ocean due to climate change has exposed more of the ocean's surface to sunlight, leading to an increase in water temperatures.

3. Changes in ocean currents: Changes in ocean currents, such as the movement of warmer water from lower latitudes into the Arctic region, can also contribute to the warming of the Arctic Ocean.

4. Feedback mechanisms: As the Arctic Ocean warms, feedback mechanisms can further amplify the warming process. For example, as sea ice melts, less sunlight is reflected back into space, leading to further warming of the ocean.

Overall, a combination of human-induced climate change, changes in ocean currents, and feedback mechanisms have contributed to the warming of the Arctic Ocean over the last 40 years.