The loss of ice in the Arctic Ocean has led to massive waves, with 16-foot swells and the largest
waves reaching 29 feet, The Washington Post reports.
The waves may break up remaining ice and cause further ice melting, which harms animal habitats and leads to greater heat absorption.
Urgent: Do You Approve Or Disapprove of President Obama's Job Performance? Vote Now in Urgent Poll
Arctic sea ice loss in June was 21 percent faster than average, and it remains to be seen whether this year will mark a record in low seasonal sea ice, the Post said.
Scientists recorded the 16-foot waves in the Beaufort Sea north of Alaska during a storm on Sept. 18, 2012, when
sea ice reached a record low, according to National Geographic.
"Future scenarios for reduced seasonal sea ice cover in the Arctic suggest that larger waves are to be expected," says the study by the University of Washington and the Naval Research Laboratory,
published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Authors Jim Thomson of the University of Washington and Erick Rogers of the Naval Research Laboratory said the waves could lead to an ice-free summer.
The reduced ice could open undersea areas for commercial activities, such as
oil and gas exploration and fishing, according to the Christian Science Monitor. Open waters also could shorten shipping routes.
But the waves could cause potentially hazardous conditions for commercial operations in the area, The Washington Post noted.
Urgent: Assess Your Heart Attack Risk in Minutes. Click Here.