Surprises in the Arctic ice

 

The world's Arctic regions have been covered by large glaciers and ice caps, some hundreds of metres thick. The recent fast melting ice has revealed surprises of life in times past. Melting ice and climate change, however, pose potential problems for plant, animal and human life in all parts of our world.

In Canada's high Arctic geologist James Bassinger recently uncovered tree trunks more than 2 ½ metres wide and five metres long. These trees were 45 million years old. Many of the nuts, seeds and cones were perfectly preserved. Subsequent work revealed the existence of redwood swamp filled with royal ferns downstream from groves of pine, spruce and walnut trees, indicating a climate similar to Georgia USA. Even as late as 75,000 years ago fossil remains show the existence of six foot tall beavers, scimitar cats, American camels and woolly mammoths.

No scientist knows why the Arctic was so warm for so long previously or why it cooled so fast wiping out the forests, the mammoths and giant beavers.

The continued melting of ice reservoirs, however will affect lives world wide. Rising sea levels may displace over 100 million people. Glaciers hold 70 percent of the world's fresh water. Changes in rainfall and temperature will affect crop production. What to do? Yes, reduce carbon dioxide emissions and put plans in place to adapt to potential challenges.

Equally important is the development of the spirit of will, courage, generosity, thoughtfulness and respect, within ourselves and in humankind.

 

November 21, 2007

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