Arctic Ice Cap melting: Downward Spiral into Chaos Moisés Omar de Souza Silva, Saulo Golçalves Pereira

Abstract

The Arctic Ocean is a region to the north of the planet that covers the coast of numerous countries and has unique characteristics. Its biodiversity is vast, ranging from microscopic beings to large vertebrates. Anthropogenic activities have contributed to the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and one of the consequences is the melting of the polar ice caps. Data from studies show retraction of the area occupied by glaciers and damages are observed both at local and global scales for biodiversity, economy and society, such as loss of biodiversity, rising sea levels that threaten coastal cities and obstacles to economic activities.