Unraveling the Arctic Sea Ice Change since the Middle of the Twentieth Century

Changes in Arctic sea ice since the middle of last century are explored this study. Both observations and climate model simulations show an overall expansion during 1953–1970 but a general decline afterward. Anthropogenic aerosols, nature forcing atmospheric ozone changes found to contribute early period. Their effects strong generally late boreal summer. On other hand, greenhouse gas warming has dominant effect on diminishing cover 1971–2005, especially September. Internal variability also plays role change 1953–1970. However, it cannot solely explain 1970s.