Arctic shrinkage is the decrease in size of the Arctic region (as defined by the 10 °C (50 °F) July isotherm). This is a change in the regional climate as a result of global warming. Recent projections of sea ice loss suggest that the Arctic ocean will likely be free of summer sea ice sometime between 2059 and 2078. Because of the rapid response of the Arctic to global warming, it is often seen as a high-sensitivity indicator of climate change. Scientists also worry about the potential release of methane from the arctic region, especially through the thawing of permafrost and methane clathrates, which could be released to the atmosphere and accelerate global warming, as methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/
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