Study warns Northern Hemisphere lakes could lose around 40 days of winter ice by 2100

Study says Northern Hemisphere lakes may lose 40 days of winter ice by 2100 (National Geographic photo) Winter ice on lakes plays an important role in keeping lakes healthy by controlling water temperature, supporting aquatic life and helping maintain the natural balance of freshwater ecosystems. However, scientists say this seasonal ice cover is disappearing faster than expected as the climate continues to warm.A new international study has found that once winter temperatures rise above certain critical levels, ice loss speeds up sharply. The researchers warn that if greenhouse gas emissions remain high, lakes across the Northern Hemisphere could lose around 40 days of winter ice cover by the end of this century.The findings were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and reported by Chiesse Academy of Sciences.More than 700 lakes studiedTo understand how lake ice is changing, the researchers examined records from 724 lakes across the Northern Hemisphere. They analysed ice patterns and air temperature data collected between 2000 and 2022.The study looked at ice phenology, which is the timing of seasonal events related to lake ice. This incl...