Physical Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey
Sea ice is a defining feature of our planet. It serves as habitat for some of the most spectacular animals on Earth—polar bears, walrus, and ice seals—as well as for some of the smallest primary producers: sea ice diatoms. The areal extent of summer Arctic sea ice is currently decreasing by more than 10% per decade, so it is a priority to understand the natural variability of ice extent and its relationship to the climate system. However, satellite data of sea ice only extends back to 1978, and observations of sea ice prior to the 1970s are sparse at best. My research uses marine sediments to explore how sea ice changed in the Bering and Chukchi seas in the past, particularly during periods of climate warming.
Some of the key questions my work addresses are:
• As the Earth went through glacial-interglacial cycles, did the growth and decline of sea ice lead or lag the growth and decline of ice sheets?
• Does sea ice duration decrease at a constant rate, or are there thresholds that lead to abrupt switches in sea ice duration (or extent)?
• During warming, are there periods of time that are characterized by re-advances of ice or does ice retreat in a linear fashion?
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About Beth Caissie
Sea ice is a defining feature of our planet. It serves as habitat for some of the most spectacular animals on Earth—polar bears, walrus, and ice seals—as well as for some of the smallest primary producers: sea ice diatoms. The areal extent of summer Arctic sea ice is currently decreasing by more than 10% per decade, so it is a priority to understand the natural variability of ice extent and its relationship to the climate system. However, satellite data of sea ice only extends back to 1978, and observations of sea ice prior to the 1970s are sparse at best. My research uses marine sediments to explore how sea ice changed in the Bering and Chukchi seas in the past, particularly during periods of climate warming.
Some of the key questions my work addresses are:
• As the Earth went through glacial-interglacial cycles, did the growth and decline of sea ice lead or lag the growth and decline of ice sheets?
• Does sea ice duration decrease at a constant rate, or are there thresholds that lead to abrupt switches in sea ice duration (or extent)?
• During warming, are there periods of time that are characterized by re-advances of ice or does ice retreat in a linear fashion?
| Present | Assistant Professor, Iowa State University ‐ Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences | |
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Disciplines
Contact Information
55 Science
2237 Osborn Dr
Ames, IA 50011-1027
515-294-7528
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