Page 20 - Demo

19 Think Tanks in BriefExplore Articles by ExpertsClimate Change Impacts on Key Environmental Conditions and Processes in Polar Oceans and Sea IceThe Arctic and Southern Oceans are undergoing significant changes. The polar regions are experiencing a loss of land ice, leading to more icefree areas and the release of increased glacial meltwater into the surrounding seas. The oceans are absorbing more heat and becoming increasingly acidic. Rainfall is expected to become more frequent, replacing snowfall. These warmer conditions are likely to shorten the duration of sea-ice cover at both poles and reduce the thickness of snow and sea ice. The reduced sea-ice cover will increase light availability, potentially boosting primary production, though the future nutrient levels in surface waters remain uncertain. This will depend on the balance between enhanced terrestrial inputs and possible changes in theSource: Willis et al.: Polar oceans and sea ice in changing climate