Climate change is changing ice. Sometimes, like in Anchorage where there has been a pattern of warmer temperatures, there’s more ice instead of snow, changing the feel of winter, while in the Arctic, warmer temperatures slow the formation of sea ice and make river travel dangerous, changing how people hunt and travel. Ice impacts recreation, subsistence, transportation, tourism, even geopolitical relationships. This intermittent series “Watch the Ice,” tracks stories about people, ice and change in Alaska.
Dramatic ocean changes are coming ‘a couple decades too early,’ scientists say
Arctic ocean temperatures are rising at rates faster than previously thought by the scientific community. That’s the finding of a new study from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, which shows warming waters having an effect on everything from sea ice growth to marine ecosystems.
The longest ever ice road has been plowed on the Kuskokwim River, from Tuntutuliak to Sleetmute
For the first time ever, the ice road on the frozen Kuskokwim River has been plowed to Sleetmute, a village north of Bethel.
After years of poor conditions, welcome news for hunters: Bering Sea ice looks normal
Rick Thoman, a climatologist, called it "a big change from the last couple of years and good news for the region.”
Kotzebue prisoners transferred to Nome due to jail’s frozen pipes
Kotzebue has had a cold February, with little snow for insulation. That means some locals have had to contend with frozen water and sewer lines. That problem is also being faced by the city, which recently had to transfer several prisoners to Nome after the jail toilets became unusable.
Policy expert says Alaska will be ‘nation’s vanguard’ in a thawing Arctic
A national expert on Arctic policy told state lawmakers on Thursday that Alaska will be at the front line of global competition over Arctic Ocean resources.
About a fourth of Selawik homes currently have frozen pipes, and it’s a chronic problem
Selawik mayor Clyde Ramoth says frozen pipes are a chronic problem due to issues with the initial installation of the above-ground water system.
What’s your experience with ice and how is changing?