Surface temperature anomalies can also alter the environment without influencing weather patterns such as ENSO. For instance, SATA on their own can be a driving factor behind changes to the climate. As stated by Overland et al., “Arctic air temperatures are both an indicator and a driver of regional and global changes” (S132). In this scenario, the increase in unusually high surface air temperatures is causing the ice in the arctic to melt. Ice ablation means a loss of snow and ice cover which results in a decrease of albedo effects. Without albedo effects, the atmosphere would retain more solar radiation becoming even warmer. Furthermore, during the winter months when there is cloud cover, this causes an insulating effect even further accelerating heating of the arctic (Overland et al. S132). Secondly, if sea ice ablation is significant enough, the salinity and temperatures of the oceans may be altered and this can have devastating effects on some marine species, and weather patterns. Overland et al. also mention that the ocean areas that become free of ice generate more heat which also contributes to the increase in melting rate of arctic ice (S132).