Scientists Unravel the Mystery of Large Antarctic Sea Ice Hole

A new study reveals complex interactions between winds, ocean currents, and seafloor geography are responsible for the rare open-ocean polynya.

Researchers have identified the mechanisms behind the formation of the Maud Rise polynya, a large opening in Antarctica's sea ice.
The phenomenon involves Ekman-driven salt transport, enhancing the vertical mixing of warm, salty water with surface waters.
The polynya, first observed in the 1970s, has appeared sporadically, with significant occurrences in 2016 and 2017.
This discovery is crucial for understanding regional oceanic and atmospheric dynamics and their long-term impacts.
The findings also relate to broader trends of decreasing sea ice in the Southern Ocean, influenced by shifting climate patterns.