A Vast Hole Almost The Size of Portugal Opened Up in Antarctica's Winter Sea Ice. Now We Know Why.
8 Articles
8 Articles
Every winter the size of Antarctica is doubled by sea ice. But in Breid Bay open water crept where it should be frozen.
A hole with an area of approximately 90,000 square kilometers appeared in the eastern Antarctic sea ice at a time when the area is usually completely frozen. Researchers have determined that the unusual phenomenon was caused by a combination of extreme weather conditions, including intense atmospheric rivers and sea heat waves.
A hole the size of Portugal has formed in the Antarctic ice sheet in 2024. Scientists have found that the cause is a combination of extreme atmospheric rivers and marine heat waves, which could become more frequent.
A Vast Hole Almost The Size of Portugal Opened Up in Antarctica's Winter Sea Ice. Now We Know Why.
(David Merron Photography/Moment RF/Getty Images) An unprecedented gap in Antarctic sea ice. ScienceAlert stories are written, fact-checked, and edited by humans, never generated by AI. Don't miss a story, subscribe here.
During the winter period, the area of Antarctica usually doubles as a result of the total freezing of ocean water around the continent.
For the first time in history, researchers have identified a huge gap in the Antarctic ice sheet — never seen before in this period.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
