July 20, 2016

pause in Antarctic Peninsula warming

The rapid warming of the Antarctic Peninsula, which occurred from the early-1950s to the late 1990s, has paused. The stabilisation of the ozone hole, changing wind patterns and natural variability were significant in bringing about this change. Together these factors have caused the peninsula, which makes up 1% of the Antarctic, to enter a temporary cooling phase.

Temperatures remain higher than measured during the middle of the 20^th Century, so glacial retreat is still taking place. Scientists predict that if greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise at the current rate, temperatures will increase across the Antarctic Peninsula by several degrees Centigrade by the end of this century.

Reporting this week in the journal Nature researchers from British Antarctic Survey (BAS) describe how this regional cooling phase is a result of natural forces temporarily masking the longer warming trend. Journalists came to the SMC to hear from the authors.

Speakers from BAS will include:

Prof. John Turner, lead author and climatologist

Dr Robert Mulvaney, science leader and ice core scientist

Prof. David Vaughan, glaciologist and Director of Science