Satellite images reveal missing Antarctic sea ice the 'size of France'
New satellite data published by ABC News Australia show that an area the size of France of expected winter sea ice has failed to form across West Antarctica. Scientists say the readings deepen concerns about a structural shift in the Southern Hemisphere ice cycle.
New satellite records from the Australian Antarctic Division and international polar research centres reveal that an area the size of France of expected winter sea ice has failed to form off West Antarctica. The data show that an anomaly observed over the past three winter cycles has deepened materially across the region.
Polar scientists speaking to ABC News Australia said Southern Hemisphere sea ice cover is running well below long-term reference averages, and this is producing significant disruption to the global climate system's thermal regulation. Reduced albedo is accelerating the ocean warming feedback loop further into the calendar year.
The 2024 reports of international climate panels warned that shifts in the Southern Ocean's heat uptake could affect the planetary energy balance. Additional monitoring missions are planned at Australian polar research stations for the winter season. Scientists say long-term climate policy decisions will continue to depend heavily on these readings.
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