The Science Show, RN, 16th August, 2014
Observations show large changes in the amount of sea ice in Arctic waters. Climate models predict a complete loss of Arctic sea ice in summer months within decades. Now it seems it might occur far sooner. Grae Worster studies the way sea ice forms, and melts. The ice is a complex interplay between water and salt, a matrix of ice crystals with salty brine between the crystals. Understanding the mechanisms of formation and melting of sea ice will allow more accurate climate predictions, as the amount of ice controls salinity
and differences in salinity drive ocean currents and heat transfer around the globe.