Antarctica has a lot of ice, and the amount varies throughout the year. In cold seasons, the cover expands. while In the winter of 2016 and 2017, an unexpected anomaly occurred. A huge hole called a polynya was created in the sea ice.
A few years ago, a hole was created in the Antarctic ice Its size was similar to Switzerland. his name was Mod poles will rise. The name comes from the underwater mountain found in this area of the Weddell Sea. Scientists decided to take a closer look at this phenomenon and claim to have managed to determine the origin of this huge anomaly.
The research conducted by the scientists showed that the formation of the hole resulted from several factors that provided suitable conditions for the formation of the anomaly. It was replaced A combination of wind, ocean currents and underwater geographic conditions. This is creation Ideal opportunities for salinityWhich eventually led to the melting of the sea ice.
The anomalies that occurred in 2016 and 2017 are not the only ones in this region. Polynia Maud Rise started earlier. First time It was identified using satellites in the 1970s. last century The hole was particularly evident from 1974 to 1976.
Decades ago, researchers assumed that the polynya would return each winter. However, they were wrong, and the reality turned out to be different. The effect occurred rarely and for short periods. The event that took place a few years ago was the biggest in decades.
Why did Maud Rise get so big a few years ago? The main reason for this was Ocean Circular Current in the Weddell SeaWhich at the time was definitely stronger than usual. This brought warmer and saltier water into the area.
The Antarctic ice sheet is shrinking due to, among other things, climate change. This could have very serious consequences for the entire planet. This area now acts as a large “fridge” of the Earth. The loss of the ice surface could have very negative consequences, not only for this region, but also for the whole world.
In September 2023, ice floated on the surface of the Antarctic Ocean Less than 17 million kilometers2. This means 1.5 million kilometers2 Lower compared to the long term average for this month.
