Study: Arctic Region Turning Green because of Climate Change

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A recent study has revealed that the Arctic region is becoming greener at an alarming rate. The region is typically covered in ice, and its low temperature is generally not suitable for vegetation. However, because of global warming, the vast ice sheet covering the region is now slowly melting, allowing plants to grow. Dubbed as Arctic greening, the phenomenon is characterized by the growth of vegetation in plantless areas. It also involves further increase and growth of plants in areas where they were already present. Aside from the extent of Arctic greening, the phenomenon’s causes were also discovered. The study’s findings revealed that aside from the increase in land temperature, other causes include varying melting periods of snow and increased moisture in the soil. The team that conducted the study is composed of 40 scientists from North America and Europe. According to Dr. Jeffrey Kerby, one of the lead researchers, the team has used innovative ways of analyzing and processing various data ranging from recent images to the earliest collected ones. The researchers used the most up-to-date technology for drones, satellites, and planes to observe the phenomenon from space. Then, they compared data from their aerial devices with observations they gathered on the ground. According to one of the researchers, the study’s findings are useful in identifying the factors that contribute to global warming and reducing their effects. In addition, an executive from one of the team’s partner organizations said that these findings will also help people further understand the Arctic region.