Marika Holland of the National Center for Atmospheric Research is one such scientist. She specializes in studying the relationship between sea ice and global climate, and helped the team identify climate models for use in the study.
Working with Julienne Stroeve, another sea ice specialist from the National Snow and Ice Data Center, Holland ultimately recommended five distinct models. “We picked the models based on how well they calculated the sea ice cover for the 20th century,” she says. “If a model predicted an outcome that matched what was actually observed, we felt it was likely that its projections of sea ice change in the future could be trusted.”
Melting Sea Ice Threatens Emperor Penguins, Study Finds : Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
They must have gotten confused about the difference between melting sea ice and record high sea ice extent.
This may have some relevance –
Twice as Many Emperor Penguins as Thought in Antarctica, First-Ever Penguin Count from Space Shows (Apr. 13, 2012) — A new study using satellite mapping technology reveals there are twice as many emperor penguins in Antarctica than previously thought. The results provide an important benchmark for monitoring the … > read more
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/06/120620113342.htm
Scientists Map Penguins From Space By Locating Their Feces (June 2, 2009) — Penguin poo (guano) stains, visible from space, have helped British scientists locate emperor penguin breeding colonies in Antarctica. Knowing their location provides a baseline for monitoring their …
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413145303.htm
“Using a technique known as pan-sharpening to increase the resolution of the satellite imagery, the science teams were able to differentiate between birds, ice, shadow and penguin poo or guano.”
This sort of discrimination needs to be used more often in science.
Julienne Stroeve is running for Miss Antarctica and will be carrying a baby penguin during the swim suit competition. She has my support.
Odd. The penguins at my local zoo require zero ice. And these guys seem to be thriving…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0tr1LyMsJ8