Some 7,000 years ago, West Antarctica’s ice sheet retreated, most likely driven by warmer ocean currents slipping under the ice. This could happen again – unless we cut emissions fast.
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Articles on Antarctic sea ice
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Ocean warming seems the main driver of Antarctica’s sea-ice loss. But as satellites show, the change is not universal and sea ice persists in East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea.
The proliferation of Antarctic research stations – 77 in all – is increasing knowledge of the continent but also the human impacts. A new study has identified the best ways to limit these impacts.
The first comprehensive assessment of trends in Southern Ocean ecosystems reveals an urgent need to address climate change. The summary for policymakers can guide decision-makers.
The rapid changes in the Southern Ocean and Antarctica highlight the urgency of better direct observations and measurements, beyond satellite monitoring and modelling.
If we want to live in a world with Emperor penguins, we need to cut emissions steeply and protect parts of the ocean around Antarctica where climate change will have the biggest impact.
Antarctic sea ice is now nearly 9% below normal. But the dramatic decline is not universal around the continent, which makes it difficult to predict the overall impact of climate change.
Sea ice around Antarctica has always followed a predictable seasonal cycle. Now, we’ve experienced a sudden dramatic loss, and the changes are here to stay.
Top contributors
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Professor in Ocean Physics, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
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Ice Sheet & Climate Modeller, GNS Science
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NASA Postdoctoral Fellow, NASA
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Lecturer in Climate Variability and Change, Monash University
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Senior Research Associate in Physical Oceanography, University of Tasmania
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Fieldwork Coordinator/Research Technician, CSIRO
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Research Fellow in Physics, University of Otago
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Senior Research Fellow, University of Otago
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Senior Lecturer in Surveying, University of Otago
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Associate Professor for Remote Sensing and Glaciology, University of Canterbury
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Professor Emerita in Physics, University of Otago
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Assistant Research Fellow, University of Otago
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Associate Professor in Physics, University of Otago
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Chercheuse en écologie polaire, Sorbonne Université
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Associate Professor in Conservation Biology, University of Canterbury
