Whales used as thermometers in Greenland

Horned whales living in the Arctic could prove crucial to the study of global warming after scientists discovered that they excel at taking the temperature of Greenland’s waters. A report published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Oceans describes how a team of researchers equipped 14 narwhals with thermometers in the northern Davis Strait and Baffin Bay between 2005 and 2007.

The group, which was led by Kristin Laidre of the Polar Science Center in the University of Washington, used the whales to help confirm the continued warming of the area’s waters. In agreement with helicopter spot-measurers, the band of burly mammals measured temperatures of between 35°C and 40°C in offshore waters during the winters.

“Continued warming will likely have pronounced affects on the species and ecosystem in Baffin Bay,” said Laidre, in a statement. “The timing of the break-up of spring sea ice is ecologically important for many marine species and is linked to primary production which forms the base of the food chain.”

“Our results suggest the previously documented warming in Baffin Bay has continued through 2007 and is associated with a warmer West Greenland Current in both of its constituent water masses,” said the study.