The drift ice phenomenon, known for drawing tour boats in Japan's northern seas during winter, is rapidly dwindling due to the effects of climate change, according to Hokkaido University researchers. Their analysis shows a significant decrease in both the coverage area and thickness of floating ice in the Sea of Okhotsk over the past three decades. This decline is a cause for concern, as it may lead to a future where Hokkaido's coast will no longer see the arrival of ice floes.
Drift ice has traditionally graced Hokkaido's northeastern coast facing the Sea of Okhotsk, offering a spectacular sight each winter. However, observations by scientists reveal that the once thick ice blocks have reduced in thickness and coverage area, raising alarms about the impact of global warming on this natural marvel. With the first appearance of drift ice along Nemuro's coast on February 10 this past winter, the region witnessed a visually stunning display of ice, albeit with scientists noting the ice's thinner composition compared to previous years.
Hokkaido University researchers, led by Professors Kay Ohshima and Humio Mitsudera, presented their findings on the rapid decline of drift ice at an international scientific conference in the United States. Their data indicates a concerning trend of ice thinning at a rate of 7.4 centimeters per decade, leading to an overall 30% decrease in average ice thickness over the past 30 years. This decline is attributed to climate change impacts, with Mitsudera using advanced scenarios to predict a drastic reduction in drift ice coverage by 2050, with potential consequences for marine ecosystems and fisheries reliant on the ice's presence.