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Open Northwest Passage, 2012 C014 / 0113
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Open Northwest Passage, 2012 C014 / 0113
Open Northwest Passage. Satellite image of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago taken on the 3rd August 2012. Sea ice has receded enough to open up the route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Northwest Passage opened for the first time in 2007. Since then a species of plankton that was exclusively found in the Pacific has been found in the North Atlantic. There is also evidence that Pacific and Atlantic populations of bowhead whales have begun to overlap. The declining sea ice is due to global warming, the Arctic temperature having risen by 1.7-2.2 degrees Celsius in the past century. Image taken by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on NASAs Terra satellite
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Media ID 9219357
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2000s Arctic Arctic Circle Canada Channel Channels Clear Climate Change Coast Coastline Connecting Connection Declining Disappearing Earth Observation Environmental Global Warming Greenland Island Islands Meteorological Meteorology Modis North Pole Northwest Passage Open Opening Passage Passages Receding Route Satellite Satellite Image Sea Ice Strait Terra Weather Canadian Arctic Archipelago Connexion Decline Declined Disappeared Minimum Navigable Receded Straits
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This print titled "Open Northwest Passage, 2012 C014 / 0113" showcases the remarkable transformation occurring in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Taken on August 3rd, 2012, by NASA's Terra satellite using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument, it vividly captures a significant environmental shift. The image reveals a clear and open route through the once formidable Northwest Passage, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. This passage first opened in 2007 due to receding sea ice caused by global warming. Over time, this decline has led to drastic changes in both marine life and geographical connections. Notably, since its opening, a species of plankton previously exclusive to the Pacific Ocean has been discovered in the North Atlantic. Additionally, evidence suggests that bowhead whales from both oceans have begun overlapping populations as their habitats change. The photograph serves as a visual testament to our changing planet and highlights how climate change impacts even remote regions like Canada's Arctic Archipelago. With temperatures rising by approximately 1.7-2.2 degrees Celsius over the past century alone, this image is a stark reminder of humanity's role in shaping Earth's future. As we observe disappearing sea ice and witness coastlines transform before our eyes, it becomes increasingly crucial for us to address these pressing environmental concerns collectively. Through continued earth observation efforts like those captured by MODIS on NASA's Terra satellite, we gain valuable insights into our planet's evolving state – knowledge that can guide us towards sustainable solutions for generations to come.
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