Solving the Antarctic Ice Gap Mystery: Scientists Discover Stronger Currents Behind Formation

Antarctica’s Maud Rise ice gap has long been a mystery to scientists, with the open water area surrounded by sea ice reappearing and disappearing in different sizes in the same location. However, new research published in Science Advances sheds light on this phenomenon.

Sea ice in Antarctica expands during the transition from summer to winter, covering a significant portion of the Earth’s surface. Most sea ice forms during the polar night, on floating ice shelves surrounding the continent. Ice holes, known as polynyas, typically form due to strong continental winds pushing ice blocks apart, leading to further freezing of seawater within these gaps.

However, the Maud Rise ice gap is located away from coastal winds, making it less likely for ice holes to form. Researchers found that in 2016 and 2017, the Weddell Gyre circular current in the Weddell Sea was stronger than in other years, allowing underwater currents to bring salt and heat closer to the surface. This created a spiral effect around the Maud Rise submarine mountain, causing salt water to rise to the surface and form the ice gap.

This new discovery is crucial in understanding Antarctica’s impact on global climate and ocean health. With climate change making winds stronger from the continent, there could be an increase in the formation of ice holes in future years. Additionally, 40% of global ocean water originates from the Antarctic coast, emphasizing the importance of this region in regulating Earth’s different regions.

The Maud Rise ice gap continues to puzzle scientists but with new research like this one we can better understand its formation and its potential impact on our planet.