Norwegian and other international researchers have uncovered a major increase in sea temperatures around Norway’s northern archipelago of Svalbard. Their measurements shows that the sea areas are now warmer than they’ve been for 2,000 years.
Data from the University of Tromsø in northern Norway shows that the average summer temperature in the Gulf Stream west of Svalbard was 3.4C until 1850. From 1850 to 2007 the average temperature has been 5.2C.
Researchers based their findings on sea floor sediment collected by a research vessel. By studying fossils of small sea creatures that lived in the seas, and measuring sediment, the researchers claim they can show temperature changes over several thousand years back in time.
Graphics of their findings were published in several Norwegian newspapers this week, attributed to Morten Hald at the University of Tromsø.
Views and News staff