Climate Changed
Alaska Snow Cover Thinning, May Pose Hurdle for Refuge Drilling
- Depths fell by half in ANWR section set for oil leasing plan
- Snow researchers urge fully study before exploration begins
Photographer: BP/Getty Images
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Snow depths on Alaska’s North Slope have thinned this year, the University of Alaska Fairbanks said in a study, creating a possible obstacle for exploration in part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge thought to harbor more than 7 billion barrels of oil.
Brisk arctic winds have been blowing away the snow layer on the 1.5 million-acre coastal plane. The institute found two-thirds of the tundra had a snow layer less-than-required for travel, which would impede heavy equipment.