Antarctica’s sea ice is at its lowest extent ever recorded: Antarctica’s sea ice has been recorded at a low level of approximately 14.2 million square kilometres, much less than the average extent of 16.7 million square kilometres for this time of year.
What’s in News?
The sea ice extent of Antarctica was about 14.2 million sq. km as of 25th July, the normal extent of sea extent for this year should be closer to 16.7 million sq. km.
In comparison to the long-term average of the satellite period, Antarctica lost around 2.6 million square kilometres of sea ice.
Alarming Trend
There has been significant drop in winter sea ice extent from 2015, compared to record highs observed in the years 2012 to 2014.
Causes of reduced sea extent
- High temperature in the Northern Hemisphere: The northern hemisphere’s warning has repercussions for Antarctica’s climate, resulting in a decrease in sea ice cover.
- Warm air from the North: The transportation of warm air from the northern regions to Antarctica is contributing to the reduction inn sea ice cover.
- Southern ocean and climate change: The southern ocean encircling Antarctica normally freezes to form sea ice during peak winter (September or early October) and melts during summer (December to February).
Implications and Climate Change
- Environmental Impact: The record low sea level extent may endanger marine creatures accustomed to colder temperatures.
- Reduced sea ice leads to warmer temperature which will cause potential disruption to ecosystems.
- Reduced sea ice can accelerate the melting and thinning of glaciers.
- They contribute to the current sea level, which has risen by 21-24 centimetres since 1880, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
- Continued loss of ice from Antarctica could exacerbate the sea level rise, impacting coastal areas and human settlements worldwide.
