Scientists explained the formation of a giant polynya in Antarctica

Scientists have found an explanation for the giant wormwood that formed in the sea ice of East Antarctica in August 2024. It lasted several days and reached an area of about 89 thousand square kilometers, which is comparable to the territory of Portugal, reports “Science Mail” with reference to the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

According to the researchers, this is the first winter wormwood in the open ocean, which in the Bay of Braid recorded in satellite observations since 1979.

Scientists found that from July to August, the region was hit by six atmospheric rivers — intense flows of warm humid air from low latitudes. Warm air warmed the atmosphere, brought warm snow and sent heat into the ocean, suppressing ice growth. In addition, strong winds caused Ekman suction - displacement of surface water under the action of friction against the wind. To the surface rose the upper circumpolar deep water, noticeably warmer than usual in winter. Sea waves prevented the ocean from freezing.

The authors of the work under the leadership of Jibanjoti Svain do not exclude that such phenomena will be repeated.

Scientists have warned that the ice of Antarctica is melting faster than predicted. The reason is that the channels carved into the ice under the ice shelves trap warm ocean water. As a result, melting from below is accelerating.