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Dramatic, unexpected events unfolding in Southern Ocean due to climate change
Researchers have uncovered a dramatic and unexpected shift in the Southern Ocean, with surface waters becoming saltier and Antarctic sea ice retreating at a record 2015, Antarctica has lost sea ice equal to the size of Greenland—the largest environmental change observed on Earth in recent decades, the Southern Ocean's surface was freshening, helping to grow and sustain sea ice. This fresh layer acted as a barrier, trapping heat in deeper waters and protecting sea ice from melting. However, new satellite data and robotic ocean sensors now reveal a sharp reversal: surface salinity is rising, stratification is weakening, and sea ice is vanishing at unprecedented
The research, led by the University of Southampton and published June 30 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that saltier surface water allows deep ocean heat to rise more easily, melting sea ice from below.
There is a sudden rise in surface salinity south of 50 latitude. (Photo: Nasa)
'It's a dangerous feedback loop: less ice leads to more heat, which leads to even less ice,' explained Dr. Alessandro Silvano, the study's lead cycle has been further highlighted by the return of the Maud Rise polynya—a massive hole in the sea ice nearly four times the size of Wales — which had not appeared since the loss of Antarctic sea ice has immediate global consequences. Sea ice reflects sunlight, helping to regulate the planet's temperature. Its decline means more heat is absorbed by the ocean, intensifying storms, accelerating global warming, and shrinking habitats for penguins and other Antarctic rapid changes are also reshaping ocean currents and weather systems far beyond the polar are now urging for continuous satellite and in-situ monitoring to better understand these changes, as current climate models did not predict such a rapid shift.'If this salty, low-ice state continues, it could permanently reshape the Southern Ocean—and with it, the planet,' warned Dr. research points to the urgency of revising scientific models and maintaining robust observation networks to track the evolving climate crisis.- EndsMust Watch
