Scientists measure record low ice growth in Antarctic this year

Scientists are puzzled and worried by a record low of Antarctic sea ice extent during this time of the year. The world is already concerned by the receding Arctic sea ice, and the surprising new lows around the Antarctic have upped the anxiety even more.

The dataset in question goes back to the year 1979. The Arctic sea ice was 1 million square kilometers less at 8.633 million km as compared to 9.504 million km which was the previous record low registered in 2012. The moderate extent of the Antarctic ice is worrying the scientists most. However, renowned scientist and director of the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder, Colorado have said that there is no connection between the two anomalies at the two poles of the globe. Scientists are now in a wait and watch attitude as the things get weirder in the polar region.

The decline in the ice in the Antarctic region is particularly bewildering because a few years ago the debate was why the free Antarctic ice was being pushed to record heights. The phenomenon was happening notwithstanding the fact that the continent’s glaciers were losing significant mass. The event was immediately seized by many climate change doubters for pushing a contrary message.

Scientists are trying to decipher this riddle in the Antarctic sea ice system. A study which was published earlier termed the sea ice expansion to on a cycle in the climate system called the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation or IPO. It was a result of a brief lull in global warming in mid-2000. However, the pattern has since shifted and therefore more ice is being lost by the Antarctic.

Another school of thought linked the ice loss to El Nino which will then transform into positive IPO. Hence this kind of strange phenomenon will continue for the coming five or ten years.

About the author

Meenakshi Rawat

Having worked on Entertainment, Technology, and Business for four years, Meenakshi finds solace in technology, and more so in covering it. She loves to read novels, listen to music, and roam around places. You can reach Meenakshi at meenakshi@pc-tablet.com.

Web Stories

5 Best Projectors in 2024: Top Long Throw and Laser Projectors for Every Budget 5 Best Laptop of 2024 5 Best Gaming Phones in Sept 2024: Motorola Edge Plus, iPhone 15 Pro Max & More! 6 Best Football Games of all time: from Pro Evolution Soccer to Football Manager 5 Best Lightweight Laptops for High School and College Students 5 Best Bluetooth Speaker in 2024 6 Best Android Phones Under $100 in 2024 6 Best Wireless Earbuds for 2024: Find Your Perfect Pair for Crystal-Clear Audio Best Macbook Air Deals on 13 & 15-inch Models Start from $149