In the vast expanse of the Queen Elizabeth Islands and western Tuvaijuittuq in Canada’s High Arctic, scientific exploration has long faced challenges due to the presence of year-round sea ice. Recently, a Canadian research icebreaker successfully navigated through these historically inaccessible waters, made possible by melting sea ice.
David Babb, a research associate at the University of Manitoba’s Centre for Earth Observation Science, highlighted the significant changes in the region, noting the loss of ice, increased open water areas, and improved navigability. A joint expedition by scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and the University of Manitoba aboard the CCGS Amundsen set out on a groundbreaking four-week journey on September 4 to conduct comprehensive oceanographic research in the Canadian Archipelago.
During the expedition, Babb identified two main ice types in the area: seasonal ice, which forms over a single winter and is thinner, leading to open water, and multi-year ice, which thickens over multiple winters. The prevalence of seasonal ice has increased while multi-year ice has diminished, reflecting the rapid warming of the Arctic region.
The accelerating pace of Arctic warming, estimated to be four times faster than global averages, raises concerns about the potential disappearance of Arctic sea ice within the decade. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for in-depth research, such as the recent voyage of the CCGS Amundsen, to better understand the impacts of climate change on this pivotal region.
Despite encountering heavily melted sea ice and sparse marine life during their journey, the research team found pockets of thicker ice further south, signaling complex changes in the Arctic ecosystem. The expedition’s outreach efforts extended to the local community, where students and teachers in Nunavut gained valuable insights into oceanic phenomena like mercury presence and salt concentration variations.
The expedition’s engagement with community members, particularly elders, revealed firsthand observations of accelerated ice melt and shifting travel patterns due to changing ice conditions. Babb emphasized the importance of involving local knowledge in future research efforts, recognizing the invaluable insights community members can provide based on their deep connection to the land and waterways.
In conclusion, the successful navigation of the Canadian icebreaker through the once-impregnable sea ice of the High Arctic not only symbolizes the profound impact of climate change but also underscores the collaborative efforts needed to unravel the complexities of this rapidly transforming environment.