Antarctic sea ice defied global warming for decades—now, hidden ocean heat is breaking through

Antarctic sea ice defied global warming for decades—now, hidden ocean heat is breaking through

For decades, Antarctica seemed to defy global warming. Since satellites began monitoring the poles in the late 1970s, the seasonal growth and retreat of Antarctic sea ice—frozen seawater that expands around the continent each winter—appeared remarkably resilient. It was often described as the "heartbeat of the planet."

Drivers of Antarctica’s dramatic sea ice decline could accelerate global warming: new research

For decades, Antarctic sea ice appeared resistant to global warming. Now, scientists say a cascade of ocean and atmospheric changes has ‘flipped the system’ – and the consequences could accelerate climate change worldwide.