concept

Antarctic sea ice extent

Also known as: Antarctic sea ice

Facts (10)

Sources

Comprehensive Overview on the Present State and Evolution of ... link.springer.com Springer Aug 9, 2024 10 facts

claimAntarctic sea ice reaches its minimum extent in February or March and its maximum extent in September or October.

measurementThe average Antarctic sea ice extent was 18.2 million km2 in September 1979 and decreased to 16.8 million km2 in September 2023.

claimScientists have suggested that anthropogenic greenhouse gas forcing may warm the tropical Indian Ocean, which in turn may lead to reductions in Antarctic sea ice, such as the declines observed in 2016.

claimAntarctic sea ice typically reaches its maximum extent in September and its minimum extent in February.

referenceEayrs, C., Li, X., Raphael, M.N., and Holland, D.M. published a study in 2021 titled 'Rapid decline in Antarctic sea ice in recent years hints at future change' in the journal Nature Geoscience.

perspectiveEayrs et al. argue that the recent abrupt reduction in Antarctic sea ice is primarily attributable to coincidental yet naturally occurring variability, characterized by an earlier and more rapid seasonal retreat.

measurementAntarctic sea ice extent experienced a slight long-term increase until 2015, followed by a sudden drop in late 2016, after which it has remained relatively low.

claimShort-term weather events are the primary influence on year-to-year fluctuations in Antarctic sea ice extent around the long-term trend.

referenceEayrs et al. investigated the reasons for the rapid decline in Antarctic sea ice and emphasized the effects of these results on future changes.

measurementThe average Antarctic sea ice extent was 3.1 million km2 in February 1979 and 1.9 million km2 in February 2023.