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Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice

Fact Sheet 2012-3131
Changing Arctic Ecosystems
By: , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20123131

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Abstract

The Arctic is warming faster than other regions of the world due to positive climate feedbacks associated with loss of snow and ice. One highly visible consequence has been a rapid decline in Arctic sea ice over the past 3 decades - a decline projected to continue and result in ice-free summers likely as soon as 2030. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) are dependent on sea ice over the continental shelves of the Arctic Ocean's marginal seas. The continental shelves are shallow regions with high biological productivity, supporting abundant marine life within the water column and on the sea floor. Polar bears use sea ice as a platform for hunting ice seals; walruses use sea ice as a resting platform between dives to forage for clams and other bottom-dwelling invertebrates. How have sea ice changes affected polar bears and walruses? How will anticipated changes affect them in the future?

Suggested Citation

Oakley, K.L., Whalen, M.E., Douglas, D., Udevitz, M.S., Atwood, T.C., Jay, C., 2012, Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2012-3131, 4 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20123131.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Polar bear and walrus response to the rapid decline in Arctic sea ice
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2012-3131
DOI 10.3133/fs20123131
Year Published 2012
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center
Description 4 p.
Country Canada, Russia, United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Beaufort Sea, Chukchi Sea, North Slope
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