Antarctica warming a regional trend, not local
6 Nov 2009, 1402 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Washington, November 6 In a new research, scientists have determined that the warming observed in the region of Antarctica is a regional trend, not a local one.

In the past 50 years, considerable warming has been observed in the northern Antarctic Peninsula.

Understanding whether these measured changes are a local phenomenon or part of a significant regional trend is important for interpreting observations, validating climate models, and predicting future climate change.

To investigate the extent of the warming, E. R. Thomas from the British Antarctic Survey and his team presented a new 150-year oxygen isotope record from an ice core drilled in the data-sparse southwestern Antarctic Peninsula.

The new record shows about 2.7 degrees Celsius (4.9 degrees Fahrenheit) increase in surface temperature since the 1950s.

The record correlates well with satellite-derived temperature reconstructions and records from other locations showing similar warming trends.

The researchers concluded that the warming in the past 50 years has been a regional trend, not a local phenomenon, and has been part of a statistically significant 100-year warming trend that began around 1900.

Furthermore, they used climate models to show that the observed warming trend is outside the expected range of natural variability and is therefore probably the result of human influence. (ANI)

Related Latest

Pak PM says new Afghan policy should not affect regional balance Hillary Clinton to discuss regional issues with Manmohan Singh AGP seeks regional unity to fight Congress in 2011 Assam polls Antarctica glacier retreat creates new CO2 store Planting forests where none existed may reduce local availability of water Terry's dad barred from local bar after 'cocaine deal' Protest against death of a local youth in Jammu and Kashmir Maoists kill three local CPI (M) leaders in Midnapore Climate warming and loss of ice unprecedented in last 14,000 years Regional filmmakers of Ladakh trying to make a mark

Related Latest

US to give crucial information on Headley-Rana accomplice's 26/11 role to India Restoration of Mughal road in J-K heads towards completion China wants a Chinese version of Tibetan Buddhism, says Dalai Lama Cultural heritage of Manipur showcased in Sikkim Green Park stadium's scoreboard, the only manually operated scoreboard in India Dalai Lama hopes PM will discuss Tibet issue with the U.S. leadership 3 injured in fire at Jodhpur's handloom showroom White House prepares for first state visit by Manmohan Singh Bamboo fencing on Nainital's hillside roads to prevent mishaps Indian Navy vessel on solo circumnavigation of world reaches New Zealand

• US to give crucial information on Headley-Rana accomplice's 26/11 role to India
• Restoration of Mughal road in J-K heads towards completion
• Cultural heritage of Manipur showcased in Sikkim
• Green Park stadium's scoreboard, the only manually operated scoreboard in India
• White House prepares for first state visit by Manmohan Singh

• भारतीय क्रिकेट की मजबूत दीवार
• कंगारूओं के आगे ढेर, चीतों से कैसे मुकाबला करेंगें शेर
• Reducing greenhouse gases may not be enough to slow global warming
• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights