Polar Environments and Global Change

Surveys atmospheric, oceanic and cryospheric processes, present and past conditions, and changes in polar environments.

Roger G. Barry (Author), Eileen A. Hall-McKim (Author)

9781108436359, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 9 August 2018

442 pages
24.5 x 19 x 1.9 cm, 0.97 kg

'… a comprehensive overview … the text is well supported by figures (mostly in color) and tables. The references emphasize the recent work, keeping the text up-to-date, but also draw attention to seminal early work that established the basis for many of the areas of science that have become major areas of research activity today … The book is well written and it presents a coherent view of the environments of the Earth's Polar regions, of the ways in which they are changing today' Martin Sharp, Environmental Earth Sciences

The polar regions are the 'canary in the coal mine' of climate change: they are likely to be hit the hardest and fastest. This comprehensive textbook provides an accessible introduction to the scientific study of polar environments against a backdrop of climate change and the wider global environment. The book assembles diverse information on polar environmental characteristics in terrestrial and oceanic domains, and describes the ongoing changes in climate, the oceans, and components of the cryosphere. Recent significant changes in the polar region caused by global warming are explored: shrinking Arctic sea ice, thawing permafrost, accelerating loss of mass from glaciers and ice sheets, and rising ocean temperatures. These rapidly changing conditions are discussed in the context of the paleoclimatic history of the polar regions from the Eocene to the Anthropocene. Future projections for these regions during the twenty-first century are discussed. The text is illustrated with many color figures and tables, and includes further reading lists, review questions for each chapter, and a glossary.

Preface
About the authors
Acknowledgments
1. The setting, history of studies, and the climatic role of the cryosphere
2. Paleoclimatic history
3. Observing polar environment
4. Atmospheric and oceanic circulation and climate
5. Terrestrial environments and surface types of the polar regions
6. Ice sheets and shelves
7. Oceanic environments
8. The Third Pole
9. Future polar environments
Appendix: polar institutes
Glossary
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental monitoring [TQD], Climate change [RNPG], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Oceanography [seas RBKC], Hydrology & the hydrosphere [RBK], Environmental factors [MBNH2]