Cryosphere Capsules

COP30 Video of the Week: Monitoring Global Permafrost Thaw and Climate Feedbacks

Permafrost is a critical component of the global climate system because its thaw releases vast stores of carbon dioxide and…

2 months ago

Shutdown of AMOC Could Release Ocean Carbon, Increasing Global Warming

Communications Earth & Environment, 27 March 2026 The potential collapse of the major system of global ocean currents known as…

2 months ago

Ocean Warming Triggered Widespread 2015 Antarctic Sea Ice Loss

Nature Climate Change, 18 March 2026 Sea ice extent around Antarctica was fairly stable or very slightly (1-2%) expanding for…

2 months ago

Eurasian Snow Loss Increases North American Winter Extremes, Wildfire Risks

Nature Communications, 19 March 2026 A reduction in western Eurasian snow cover played a pivotal role in the record-breaking January…

2 months ago

Rapid Decline of North American Benchmark Glaciers

Nature Scientific Reports, 17 March 2026 Nine North American glaciers surveyed in 1957 during the International Geophysical Year as long-term…

2 months ago

COP30 Video of the Week: Solar Cooking to Aid Emissions Reduction and Climate Crisis Mitigation

Solar cooking can deliver meaningful benefits for the cryosphere by reducing emissions that accelerate snow and ice melt. Around 2.1…

2 months ago

Record-Low 2026 Arctic Sea Ice Maximum: Why It’s Essentially a “Tie” with 2025

NSIDC and NASA's Earth Observatory, 27 March 2026 Arctic sea ice has spread to its greatest area or "maximum extent"…

2 months ago

Arctic and Antarctic Sea Ice Loss Decrease Winter Snowfall in the Himalayas

Atmospheric Science Letters, 5 March 2026 Melting polar sea ice will weaken the frequency and intensity of winter storm systems…

2 months ago

Sea Ice Ridges Serve as Microbial Biodiversity Hotspots in the Arctic

Nature Communications, 13 March 2026 Rough ridges in Arctic sea ice create habitats that sustain exceptionally diverse microbial communities, which…

2 months ago

2026 Arctic Sea Ice Maximum Among Lowest on Record

National Snow and Ice Data Center, March 2026 As of March 2026, satellite observations indicate that this year's Arctic sea…

2 months ago