Testing targeted ice-thickening methods in the Arctic to combat global warming
Global warming has reduced the Arctic sea ice volume already by 75% over the last 40 years, and even in the most optimistic carbon emissions reduction scenarios, the Arctic sea is expected to experience ice-free summers as early as the thirties.
This threatens to accelerate climate change through a series of devastating feedbacks, as the Arctic sea ice functions as the earth’s natural cooling system – it’s refrigerator – by reflecting the sun’s heat back into space.
Our research team is in a race against time to develop a method to restore the Arctic’s protective ice shield by thickening winter sea ice. We are testing a technique that involves pumping seawater onto existing ice in strategically chosen locations across the Arctic, so that the thicker more resilient ice can withstand the summer melt for longer.
Latest News
-
·
News from our third field test
Since our return from our third field test in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut in Canada, we’ve been busy sorting through all the data we collected over six weeks. The videos below provide a first-hand account of our field test. What we set out to do We’re happy that we met all three of our core objectives. What we measured Our drone flights…
-
·
Trials and tribulations of drone data collection in the high Arctic
Tom Heyning joined the Arctic Reflections crew for the third field test in Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut. A recent graduate from Amsterdam University College, where he followed a programme focused on mathematics and computation, Tom was responsible for drone data collection during the field test. In this blog, he shares what it was really like to collect data firsthand, and the unexpected challenges that come…
-
·
Arctic Reflections embarks on its third field test
Arctic Reflections is embarking on its third field test in the Baffin Bay area in Nunavut, Canada. Our first field test was conducted in Svalbard, followed by one in Newfoundland. For this field test, we are grateful to be welcomed by the local Inuit community, and we are looking forward to collaborating with them and learning from their lived…
Our Story: from the field
While restoring Arctic ice cannot replace the urgently needed reduction of carbon emissions, it is a crucial measure to avert the devastating feedback loops that come with Arctic sea ice loss.
Fonger Ypma
founder, Arctic Reflections
Get in touch
Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask questions, share ideas, or explore collaborations with the Arctic Reflections team. We’d love to hear from you and connect!