"Negative Arctic Oscillation, which allowed frigid arctic air to roll
much farther south than it ever has before in recent history. Read more
about the Arctic Oscillation here:"
"This summer's big scientific revelation is that the North Polar ice
cover is melting faster than most modelers predicted. As the ice cover
melts, a giant reflective surface shrinks, allowing more dark blue sea
to absorb the heat of the sun's rays during summer months. Then the
melting speeds-up. This stunning video shows how "old ice" is becoming
increasingly rare in the Arctic Sea:"
"In light of this melting ice cover, it will be interesting to watch
this coming winter and see if the Negative Arctic Oscillation returns,
bringing more extreme winter weather."
[permaculture] 2012 USDA Hardiness Zone map published,
Lawrence F. London, Jr., 09/17/2012