Cracked sea ice stirs up Arctic mercury concern
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 - 14:01
in Earth & Climate
Vigorous mixing in the air above large cracks in Arctic sea ice that expose seawater to cold polar air pumps atmospheric mercury down to the surface, finds a NASA field campaign. This process can lead to more of the toxic pollutant entering the food chain, where it can negatively affect the health of fish and animals who eat them, including humans.