The record loss of Antarctic Sea Ice is a Sigma 5 Event - Here is what that means and why you should care.

 


The record loss of Antarctic Sea Ice is a Sigma 5 Event

Here is what that means and why you should care.

September/20/2023

According to scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Ice has been melting off of the continent of Antarctica at a record rate. The scientists are describing this development as a Sigma 5 event. I will explain what that means and how that development will change the way we live going forward.

A sigma 5 event is a statistical term that refers to an event that is five standard deviations below the mean. This means that it is extremely unlikely to occur by chance and is more likely to be caused by some other factor, such as climate change.

Scientists are using the term Sigma 5 event to describe the loss of Antarctic Sea ice because the decline in sea ice extent has been so extreme in recent years. In 2023, Antarctic Sea ice extent reached a record low, which was more than six standard deviations below the mean from 1991 to 2020. This means that the likelihood of seeing such a low sea ice extent in any given year without climate change would be less than once in every 7.5 million years.

The use of the term Sigma 5 event to describe the loss of Antarctic Sea ice is a way to highlight the severity of the problem and to emphasize that this is not just a random fluctuation in the climate system. It is a clear sign that climate change is having a significant impact on the Antarctic.

The loss of Antarctic Sea ice has a number of negative consequences, including:

  • Rising sea levels: As sea ice melts, it adds more water to the ocean, which causes sea levels to rise. This can lead to flooding and erosion in coastal areas.
  • Disruption of marine life: Sea ice is an important habitat for many marine animals, such as penguins, seals, and whales. As the sea ice disappears, these animals are losing their homes and food sources.
  • Changes in weather patterns: Sea ice plays an important role in regulating global climate. As the sea ice disappears, it can lead to changes in weather patterns, such as more extreme storms and heat waves.

The sigma 5 event in the Antarctic Sea ice is a clear sign that climate change is having a major impact on our planet. It is important to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change before it is too late.

References:

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/09/18/antarctic-sea-ice-at-mind-blowing-record-low-experts-alarmed/#:~:text=Currently%2C%20the%20ice%20floating%20on,the%20size%20of%20New%20Zealand.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/151692/exceptionally-low-antarctic-sea-ice

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/see-what-scientists-are-calling-a-once-in-7-5-million-year-event-happening-in-antarctica-right-now/

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