Discoveries from the Arctic — ancient finds, disappearing islands amid ice melt
July 15 marks World Arctic Sea Ice Day, a campaign organized by Polar Bears International to raise awareness about the rapid loss of sea ice on our planet's northern cap.
The Arctic is warming at a rate four times that of the rest of the planet, the organization says, leading to monumental losses of sea ice that can harm not only the ecosystem, but also the animals that call the region home.
Just like soil in a forest, sea ice acts as the base of the frozen food chain, providing a place for algae to grow which is eaten by Arctic cod, who then in turn are eaten by predators like polar bears, according to Polar Bears International.
Melting ice is causing changes to the shoreline, animal behavior and even leading to new archaeological discoveries as centuries-old artifacts are revealed for the first time.
Take a look at some recent discoveries made in the frosty landscape, and how that landscape is changing:
Melting ice and observant park ranger lead to 1,500-year-old hunting tool in Norway
In Breheimen National Park, Norway, melting ice and a vigilant park ranger led to the discovery of a 1,500-year-old 'scaring stick,' used by ancient hunters to trap reindeer. This artifact, made from a young birch tree, was found flattened against rocks due to the pressure of snow and ice. The Secrets of the Ice team plans to explore more sites for similar discoveries. | Published Aug. 28 | Read More |
Melting ice reveals centuries-old fabric items still 'beautifully preserved.' See them
Archaeologists at Lendbreen glacier in southern Norway uncovered a beautifully preserved piece of textile likely from the medieval period or Viking age. The site also revealed other artifacts, including a leather or hide object and well-preserved Iron Age arrows. | Published Sept. 10 | Read More |
Arctic explorers vanished in 1845. Now, cannibalized body of crew member identified
Captain James Fitzjames, who vanished with his crew during the Franklin Northwest Passage expedition in 1845, has been identified through DNA analysis on King William Island, Nunavut, Canada. The discovery of Fitzjames' remains, marked by signs of cannibalism, sheds light on the desperate measures taken by the crew. | Published Sept. 30 | Read More |
Schoolchildren check satellite images for island in Russia — then find it's missing
In the Arctic Ocean, schoolchildren participating in a Russian program discovered that Mesyatsev Island had vanished due to rising sea levels and coastal erosion. The island, which had shrunk significantly over the years, was completely submerged by September. | Published Nov. 12 | Read More |
What do narwhals use their tusks for? First-of-its-kind drone footage offers clues
Drone footage from the Canadian Arctic has provided new insights into the purpose of narwhal tusks, revealing their use in hunting and play. The footage shows narwhals using their tusks to stun fish and engage in playful behavior with Arctic char. This discovery highlights the tusks' multifunctional role and the adaptability of narwhals to their environment. | Published March 4 | Read More |
Killer whales seen 'kissing' for the first time in the wild, photo shows
In the Kvænangen fjords of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, snorkelers captured footage of two killer whales 'kissing' underwater. This rare behavior, observed for the first time in the wild, is believed to reinforce social bonds among juveniles. | Published June 27 | Read More |
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