Topic: Beaufort Sea

With Arctic sea ice vulnerable, summer melt season begins briskly (+video)

The Arctic saw a record loss of summer sea ice in 2012, and the 2013 melt is off to a faster start than a year ago. Another record is uncertain, but warming has sapped the ice's staying power.

Shell halts Arctic oil drilling in 2013

Royal Dutch Shell PLC announced Wednesday it would suspend drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean in 2013. Shell has experienced several setbacks this winter in its Arctic oil drilling plans.

On thin ice: As Arctic Ocean warms, a scramble to understand its weather

Increasing summer ice melt in the Arctic Ocean could shift global weather patterns and make polar waters more navigable. But scientists say forecasting Arctic ice and weather remains a massive challenge.

Stranded Alaska oil rig: Example of safe practices or Arctic risks? (+video)

A floating oil rig, carrying about 143,000 gallons of diesel fuel, doesn't appear to be leaking. But the oil rig, stranded off the coast of Alaska, has raised safety concerns: 'Oil companies keep saying they can conquer the Arctic, but the Arctic keeps disagreeing with the oil companies,' Congressman Ed Markey, said.

Arctic ice shrinks to record low (+video)

Arctic sea ice has shrunk to the lowest levels since record-keeping began in 1979. Scientists say the new measurements indicate a fundamental change in the Arctic's sea ice coverage.  

Polar bears, brown bears interbred during warm periods. Is it happening again? (+video)

Polar and brown bears diverged between 4 million and 5 million years ago, but they continued to interbreed when the climate warmed, finds a new study led by the University at Buffalo and Penn State. Now, there is evidence that it is happening again.

Arctic drilling: US setting policy to protect environment, indigenous people

With receding sea ice allowing energy exploration in the Arctic, the US is set to unveil a five-year leasing plan that seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of the drilling.

Opinion Drilling for oil in Arctic Ocean is fraught with danger

This month the US approved four wells for drilling by Shell Oil in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska, an energy frontier. But Shell's plan to recover after an oil spill is completely inadequate, given the region's remoteness and weather.
08/17/2011 10:28 am

In Pictures Alaska, all natural

NASA plans to boldly go to the Arctic

The mission will seek to unlock clues about the changing Arctic climate and the shifting ice conditions that affect ocean ecosystems.
06/08/2010 04:56 pm

Arctic drilling opponents gain momentum from Gulf oil spill

Exploratory drilling is scheduled for July in the waters off Alaska's northern shore. Environmental groups, reeling from the Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill, are fighting to put those plans on hold.
05/06/2010 03:36 pm

Alaska oil's new 'Gulf of Mexico'

Oil companies are eyeing Alaska's largely untapped outer continental shelf. Critics say that's another Exxon Valdez waiting to happen.
10/17/2009 01:00 am

Bright Green Arctic Ocean meltdown: Say goodbye to the Arctic ice cap

The Arctic ice cap will disappear? A new study says the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free during the summer months in less than 20 years.
10/15/2009 01:00 am

Arctic sea ice melting faster than expected

If the pattern continues, warming effects could reach up to 900 miles inland, melting permafrost
06/12/2008 01:00 am

Beneath Arctic ice pack, teeming life holds extraterrestrial clues

Microscopic organisms thrive in polar-ice 'brine channels' whose conditions mirror some of those found in space.
04/24/2008 01:00 am

Beneath Arctic ice pack, teeming life holds extraterrestrial clues

Microscopic organisms thrive in polar-ice 'brine channels' whose conditions mirror some of those found in space.
04/24/2008 01:00 am

Beneath Arctic ice pack, teeming life holds extraterrestrial clues

Microscopic organisms thrive in polar-ice 'brine channels' whose conditions mirror some of those found in space.
04/24/2008 01:00 am

Climate worries complicate Alaska drilling plan

Lease sales could produce 15 billion barrels of oil, but environmentalists say drilling would threaten already melting habitat.
01/08/2008 12:00 am