Winter on the Arctic coast has shortened by five to ten days over the past six decades, with researchers confirming that the season ends significantly earlier now compared to 60 years ago, according to the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology.
Scientists from the Shirshov Institute of Oceanology under the Russian Academy of Sciences have found that winter in coastal areas of the Arctic seas is ending earlier—by approximately five to ten days—than it did six decades ago. The findings are based on extensive research of snow cover and temperatures across 620 Arctic weather stations.
"Despite almost equal average values of changes in the date of winters' end and beginning, the season duration in the Russian Arctic varies unevenly," the institute's press service told TASS. In particular, the study found that winters in the European part of the Russian Arctic now begin three to ten days later compared to the eastern regions, excluding Chukotka.
Researchers noted that the Arctic region is experiencing climate change at a pace faster than anywhere else on Earth. The study, which tracked data from 1958 to 2023, aimed to assess how global climate change is altering seasonal boundaries. Scientists used daily average air temperature and snow cover data to map changes in the timing and duration of winter.
The team created schematic maps with interpolation surfaces, comparing changes in winter boundaries against two reference periods: 1961–1990 and 1991–2020. These maps visually illustrate the retreat of winter across different parts of the Russian Arctic.
According to the researchers, snow cover formation and melting serve as key indicators of climatic shifts, making the Arctic an essential focus in the study of global warming.
Read next
10:58
Colonial Reckoning
The 4th session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent began this week at the UN headquarters in New York, bringing renewed international scrutiny to France and the Netherlands over their continued control of several overseas territories.
10:48
US Tariffs
South Korea’s finance minister said Tuesday that Seoul will seek to delay U.S. tariffs for as long as possible, as negotiations with Washington continue amid mounting pressure on the country’s export-dependent economy.
10:46
Diplomatic Standoff
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said reaching a peace agreement with the United States over the war in Ukraine remains difficult, as Moscow stands firm on its demands and vows never to return to economic dependence on the West.
10:00
AnewZ Morning Brief
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
08:30
Europe experienced its most extensive flooding since 2013 last year, with 30% of the continent’s river network impacted by severe floods, according to a joint report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment