The Arctic, a place often associated with perpetual ice, is facing a paradoxical threat: global heating is causing more ice to melt, not less. This is particularly evident in the North Water, a polynya located between Canada and Greenland, which has been dubbed the 'place that never freezes' by the Inuit of Nunavut. This region, spanning 85,000 square kilometers, is a critical ecosystem that supports a diverse range of life, from algae and seabirds to whales and polar bears. However, the very existence of this polynya is now under threat due to the changing climate.
The North Water is a polynya, a stretch of year-round open water, which is a boon for marine life. It is a critical feeding and breeding ground for various species, including algae, seabirds, and whales. The polynya's unique characteristics, such as its size and shape, are influenced by the 'ice arch' that forms across its northern tip in Nares Strait. This arch, a strong crescent-shaped bridge of ice, jams the strait, preventing sea ice from being blown south from the Arctic Ocean. This natural phenomenon keeps the polynya open to sunlight and air, allowing for the growth of algae and the migration of marine life.
However, the warming climate is disrupting this delicate balance. Nearly 20 years ago, the Nares Strait ice arch failed to form for the first time, and now it often does not form at all. This has led to a harder time for the polynya to stay open through the spring, with sea ice drifting down to cover the water's surface. As a result, the productivity of the polynya is at risk of drastic reduction, leading to a potential collapse of this vital ecosystem.
The consequences of this change are far-reaching. The Inuit, who have lived in this region for millennia, are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. Their cultures, which have been deeply intertwined with the environment, are now forced to adapt. The scientific community, including researchers like Terry Noah and Andrew Hamilton, is working to understand the changes taking place in the North Water. They are collecting data and developing an 'observatory' to monitor the polynya from all sides, involving communities like Grise Fiord, Pond Inlet, Resolute, and Arctic Bay.
However, there are challenges to this collaborative effort. Many Inuit do not have passports, making it difficult to bring them together physically. Despite these obstacles, the scientific community is determined to connect the knowledge of these communities between Canada and Greenland. This is crucial for understanding how the environment is changing, as the Inuit are the ones who live and work in these regions every day of the year.
Terry Noah, a researcher, is a prime example of this collaboration. He is an Inuk who grew up sharing hunting stories on Facebook, and now he is sharing data, too. He is working with Hamilton to become a trainer for other communities, building a network across the High Arctic. By combining hunting and science, Noah is helping to recreate the knowledge transfer that has helped Grise Fiord survive in the past. This data can provide valuable insights into the vast and rapidly changing Arctic, benefiting both the Inuit and the rest of the world.
In conclusion, the North Water, or the 'place that never freezes,' is facing a critical threat due to global heating. The scientific community is working to understand and protect this vital ecosystem, involving the Inuit communities who are experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand. By combining traditional knowledge with modern science, there is hope that the North Water can be preserved for future generations, ensuring the survival of the unique and diverse life it supports.
