Effects of Climate Change in the Arctic
Narwhals migrating through pack ice
Human induced changes in the global climate have led to alterations in the biology and ecology of the Arctic region [3;9]. Dramatic changes include fluctuations in sea ice coverage, altered salinity, warmer water temperatures, changes in oceanic currents, and shifts in zooplankton communities [3;8]. These changes are known to drastically alter the survival of and interactions between polar organisms [3;8].
Studies have shown that anthropogenic climate change will lead to redistribution of prey, increased mortality and changes in migration patterns of narwhals [3].
Whilst most regions with the Arctic follow such trends, areas such as Baffin Bay have shown an opposing shift to a cooling climate [1;3]. Increases in sea ice abundance and ice thickness, and prolonged seasons where sea ice is expansive have been occurring since the 1950’s, and are projected to continue increasing as time progresses [1;3]. It is estimated that ice content in Baffin Bay and surrounding regions is increasing by 600km2 per decade as a result of anthropogenic induced changes in oceanic currents (Gulf Current and the North Atlantic Oscillation) [1].
Access to air is a major winter habitat constraint of narwhals [9]. Increased sea ice will lead to a reduction of open water available for feeding and breathing [5;9]. If weather
conditions become too sporadic during winter, rapid freeze-ups of cracks and leads within pack ice will reduce access to air and could result in mass-mortality event [3;5;6]. These events are becoming increasingly common as the effects of human driven climate change become more apparent [3;6].
Narwhals inhabiting an area where sea ice is declining will also be significantly affected by climate change. Pack ice in the winter grounds is a necessary component in the prey communities that narwhals feed upon [6;9]. The most active feeding occurs during winter, therefore, if these systems are slightly altered it could have detrimental effects on the narwhal’s energy intake.
Studies have shown that anthropogenic climate change will lead to redistribution of prey, increased mortality and changes in migration patterns of narwhals [3].
Whilst most regions with the Arctic follow such trends, areas such as Baffin Bay have shown an opposing shift to a cooling climate [1;3]. Increases in sea ice abundance and ice thickness, and prolonged seasons where sea ice is expansive have been occurring since the 1950’s, and are projected to continue increasing as time progresses [1;3]. It is estimated that ice content in Baffin Bay and surrounding regions is increasing by 600km2 per decade as a result of anthropogenic induced changes in oceanic currents (Gulf Current and the North Atlantic Oscillation) [1].
Access to air is a major winter habitat constraint of narwhals [9]. Increased sea ice will lead to a reduction of open water available for feeding and breathing [5;9]. If weather
conditions become too sporadic during winter, rapid freeze-ups of cracks and leads within pack ice will reduce access to air and could result in mass-mortality event [3;5;6]. These events are becoming increasingly common as the effects of human driven climate change become more apparent [3;6].
Narwhals inhabiting an area where sea ice is declining will also be significantly affected by climate change. Pack ice in the winter grounds is a necessary component in the prey communities that narwhals feed upon [6;9]. The most active feeding occurs during winter, therefore, if these systems are slightly altered it could have detrimental effects on the narwhal’s energy intake.