On ice.Scientists can speak authoritatively only when backed by quantitative logic. In the case of ice balance for Antarctica, one thing is clear: Every modern climate model predicts that Antarctica will gain ice in the 21st century, resulting in a slight lowering of sea levels (which will, nonetheless, be largely compensated for as slightly warmer surface temperatures cause ocean waters to expand). The oft-cited finding that Antarctica is losing ice is based on 34 quasi-monthly satellite observations beginning in mid- mid- pref. Middle: midbrain. 2002. But, as shown in the record for East Antarctica East Antarctica, also called Greater Antarctica, is one of the two major regions of Antarctica, lying on the Indian Ocean side of the Transantarctic Mountains and comprising Coats Land, Queen Maud Land, Enderby Land, Mac. Robertson Land, Wilkes Land and Victoria Land. , which is the largest ice cap on the planet, mid-2002 represents the high point of snow accumulation for at least the last decade. While we cannot be absolutely certain that this accumulation outweighed ice loss in West Antarctica West Antarctica, or Lesser Antarctica (), is one of the two major regions of Antarctica, lying on the Pacific Ocean side of the Transantarctic Mountains and comprising Marie Byrd Land, Ellsworth Land, and Antarctic Peninsula. , we have reason to believe that it did. In any case, we should be cautious in drawing conclusions from a three-year sample beginning at a relative peak. Increased snow accumulation in Antarctica is a logical consequence of the fact that the surrounding sur·round tr.v. sur·round·ed, sur·round·ing, sur·rounds 1. To extend on all sides of simultaneously; encircle. 2. To enclose or confine on all sides so as to bar escape or outside communication. n. ocean has warmed slightly--an average of 0.3 degrees Celsius--in the last 40 years. That results in more moisture in the atmosphere, which, when uplifted up·lift tr.v. up·lift·ed, up·lift·ing, up·lifts 1. To raise; elevate. 2. To raise to a higher social, intellectual, or moral level or condition. 3. over Antarctica, causes greater snowfall. It is widely accepted in scientific circles that this is taking place. This phenomenon may also explain the well-known fact that, averaged over the entire continent, Antarctica has been cooling for decades. The clouds that produce snow reflect more radiation than they trap, resulting in net cooling. Patrick J. Michaels University of Virginia Virginia, state, United States Virginia, state of the south-central United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), North Carolina and Tennessee (S), Kentucky and West Virginia (W), and Maryland and the District of Columbia (N and NE). Charlottesville, Va. |
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