Sea-ice switches and abrupt climate change
Source: We propose that past abrupt climate changes were probably a result of rapid and extensive variations in sea-ice cover.
We explain why this seems a perhaps more likely explanation than a purely thermohaline circulation mechanism. We emphasize that because of the significant influence of sea ice on the climate system, it seems that high priority should be given to developing ways for reconstructing high-resolution (in space and time) sea-ice extent for past climate-change events.
If proxy data can confirm that sea ice was indeed the major player in past abrupt climate-change events, it seems less likely that such dramatic abrupt changes will occur due to global warming, when extensive sea-ice cover will not be present.
Related
Support Earth Climate
About the Author: EARTH CLIMATE
Newsletter
Recent Comments
- America’s Climate Free Fall – CounterPunch.org – Theothernews on Climate Free Fall: Scientists Warn of Hidden Economic Crisis, Earth’s Systems Become Dangerously Unstable
- Climate Researcher Levermann: "We Must Understand What Happens After Climate Systems Tip" | EarthClimate on Climate Free Fall: Scientists Warn of Hidden Economic Crisis, Earth’s Systems Become Dangerously Unstable
- Extreme Temperature Diary- Saturday July 18th, 2026/Main Topic: The “Super” El Niño of 2026: Why 2027 Will Be a Year That Is Off the Chain Hot – Guy On Climate on The “Super” El Niño of 2026: Why 2027 Will Be the Year the World Watches
Support
We create visually compelling, accessible science content that transforms complex research into engaging videos and articles, helping millions understand the discoveries shaping our world. [Paypal | Patreon]