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Af Af redaktionen 11-08 2008 - 20:38

Last month it looked like the sea ice at the North Pole was in reasonable condition during the summer heat. However, international researchers are now saying that the melting ice could set a new record this year. That means the consequences for manmade global warming could escalate.

Mark Serreze from the US National Snow and Ice Data Centre in Colorado told British newspaper The Observer that storms over Alaska's Beaufort Sea in the last few days have sent warm air rushing towards the North Pole.

This year's summer melting, which reaches its peak in mid-September, could be bigger than last year's record by over a million square kilometres.

Other experts say that it doesn't matter which year sets a record for melting ice, because it is clear that the ice is not thick enough in winter to withstand the summer temperatures.

It is also expected that the Arctic will experience a complete ice-free summer by 2013.

Researchers are unsure of the precise progression as current computer models don't allow for the increased melting.

They are certain though, that there will be consequences for both polar bears who are finding it more difficult to hunt with the melting ice and also for the weather in the northern hemisphere.