Record low sea ice level recorded in Antarctica

In 2023, Antarctica recorded the lowest sea ice level in 44 years. According to the Center for Ice and Hydrometeorological Data of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute, this is due to general warming, as well as the influx of hot water from subtropical regions into Antarctica.

Experts believe that usually during the summer season, the area of ice around Antarctica is reduced to 3 million square kilometers. However, this year the area was 1.8 million square kilometers. This is the lowest rate since 1979.

“Glaciers can be seen mainly in the Weddell and Amundsen seas after the summer melt, while in the rest of the seas, ice is preserved only in coastal areas,” the report says.

Scientists cite several reasons why sea ice levels in Antarctica will drop rapidly in 2023.

“The main thing is the Antarctic Circular Current. It separates warm subtropical water in the north from cold water in the south. As the climate changes, the predominance of westerly winds creates circulation and increases currents, which leads to the penetration of warm water into the ice,” experts say.